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Sony HDR-CX12 AVCHD camcorder captures smiles and scowls for $900

Today Pmp — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:21:18 +0000

Sony just outed its newest HD camcorder dubbed the HDR-CX12. We’re looking at 1,920 x 1,080 AVCHD video from a 10 megapixel ClearVid 1/3.13-inch CMOS sensor, BIONZ image processing, image stabilized Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 12 optical zoon lens, a 2.7-inch LCD, 5.1 surround sound mic, and Memory Stick PRO Duo (4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2) in the box) storage. It’s not the world’s smallest, but it’s only the size of a soda can, AKA, pop can for you mid-westerners. This camcorder also packs Sony’s Smile Shutter tech which automatically throws the shutter (even when in standby) when your subject smiles... or grimaces at having to stand around taking yet another family photo. Smiles can even be prioritized by children or adults. $900 starting tomorrow or early August for brick-n-mortarers.

Update: Another glamor shot and now video of Smile Shutter working on the Japanese CX12 posted after the break.

Venus Intros a Bunch of JXD PMPs, Some With Cameras

Today Pmp — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:49:52 +0000

Venus is promoting five cheap PMPs, some with very large screens and cameras added.

The JXD951 has a 4-inch 16:10 LTPS screen and a 2 megapixel camera and 4GB of storage. You can take it home for only 599 yuan ($87). It supports Divx, Xvid and AVI at 720 Ã— 480 pixels as well as ASF (MPEG-4) and MP3, WMA, WAV for audio. It has an FM tuner and game emulator.

The JXD921 has a 3.6-inch screen, 2 MP camera (interpolated from actual 1.3 MP). It plays MP3, WMA, WAV and ASF. It has line-in recording and and supports games. The 4GB is priced at 499 yuan ($72).

The JXD653 is a 2.1-inch, 1GB player (LTPS) with a 1.3 MP camera built-in. For 199 yuan, youget multimedia support for ASF, MP3, WMA, WAV, e-Book, games and video out.

The JXD306 and JXD302 are also available. Both are 3-inch players and are priced at 399 yuan with the JXD302 coming with 4GB.

DuoFertility skin patch keeps watch on ovulation

Today Pmp — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:43:54 +0000

It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen any significant advances in ovulation monitoring technology, but this new DuoFertility skin patch looks set to shake things up a bit, with it taking an always-on approach to keeping tabs on your (or your significant other’s) fertility status. That’s done with the help of a patch worn under the arm, which continuously monitors basal body temperature and can be read at any time in just a few seconds with the aid of the reader (pictured above). If you need a bit more information, you can then plug the reader into your PC and get your fertility status in chart and graph form. No word on a release ’round these parts just yet, but those in Europe will apparently be able to pick ‘em up “later this year” for $1,000 apiece.

WWDC 2008 keynote video now online

Today Pmp — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:35:29 +0000

As usual, Apple’s capped off the day’s news by posting the video of the keynote. Just in case you missed the action in today’s liveblog (or you want to relive the moment where Steve says “3G” and the audience spontaneously combusts), hit the link below. Us? We’ll be taking a breather.

For those on Apple overload: don’t worry, a little more will be trickling out but it’s almost over.

MP3 Radio Alarm Clock

Today Pmp — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:21:59 +0000

Alarm clocks with built-in FM radio and MP3 playback are pretty common these days, and this one adds to the growing number by coming in a square form factor. It features an SD/MMC memory card slot at the back along with a USB 2.0 port, allowing you to darg and drop all your favorite tunes inside - at least until the 1GB of internal memory is filled to the brim. The MP3 Radio Alarm Clock also has the all-important snooze alarm for folks like me who find it absolutely impossible to wake up in the morning with just a single alarm ring. Unfortunately, this will only come in just one color - white, and retails for $45 a pop. I wonder if the plastic will turn yellow in a few years’ time just like many other white colored gizmos I own.

Broadcom Brings GPS to iPhone

Today Pmp — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:12:39 +0000

Guess the new iPhone will not only come with 3G connectivity, but it will also gain GPS navigation capabilities courtesy of Broadcom. According to gigaom, this is made possible due to FCC requirements that requires all phones be capable of reporting their locations in case of emergencies. No idea if the hardware included from Broadcom will enable door-to-door navigation, but to date the company already has individual chip A-GPS solutions like the BCM4750. Keep your fingers crossed, boys and girls, it seems the new iPhone will have more than meets the eye.

iRiver SPINN + DAB Headed to U.K.

Today Pmp — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:05:04 +0000

The Brits will have the iRiver SPINN shipped to them ahead of everyone. The SPINN will be shipped with an extra DAB tuner. Price is yet unknown for the 4, 8 and 16GB versions. The SPINN features a 3.2-inch AMOLED display and 30fps support for video files. It boasts the new SPINN user interface that replaces iRiverâ€™s popular D-Click.

Chinese Cellphone Makers is Rising

Today Pmp — Mon, 26 May 2008 06:19:57 +0000

Handset makers from China are increasing their market share and topped other countries in growth from 2006 to 2007. Haier and ZTE were the fasting growing handset makers, both based in China. Another Chinese company, Huawei was fifth. Next year, you can expect Apple to be in the top list. Haier is now the number ten cellphone maker in the world. All the more reason to bring you more news of gadgets from China.

Memup Releases New PMPs: V-Touch, K-Touch, K-Slim and M430

Today Pmp — Mon, 26 May 2008 06:02:25 +0000

Memupâ€™s prior outings werenâ€™t very original but they did us all a favor with their new line of media players.

The M430 TR is a 4.3-inch touch screen flash player. Itâ€™s available in 4Gb and 8GB versions and supports line-in AV. Other features include FM radion, microSD expansion and a built-in speaker. Itâ€™s TNT-tuning brother, the M430 DTV shares similar features except the TNT tuner.

The Memup V-Touch has a rather disappointing 2.4-inch screen. No touch screen here but a touch-sensitive keypad. Itâ€™s available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB. Micro SD, FM tuner, 10mm thickness, mic and speakers all make for a usable PMP.

The K-Touch is the most interesting in Memups new lineup. Touch-sensitive keypad has gradated volume control. Casing is anodized aluminium. FM tuner, microSD, 4/ 8/ 16GB versions and 7.3mm thickness. Could be a great alternative to well-known brands if the price is right and the 2-inch screen is not too small for you.

Lastly, the Memup K-slim is a 7-mm-slim MP3 player and is the official successor of the Memup Kazz. Storage tops at 4GB.

$318 WiFi network bridge connects two locations up to 5 miles apart

Today Pmp — Thu, 22 May 2008 05:39:35 +0000

If you’ve tried every antenna and extender on the market today with subpar results, HD Communications is apt to become your new best friend. The outfit has just revealed its HD26200, a “complete outdoor wireless network bridge in the 802.11b/g unlicensed 2.4GHz band that sells for only $318.” Said device bridges wireless internet between two locales up to 5 miles apart without requiring a single RF cable, being that both Ubiquiti network radios are powered over Ethernet. If you’re looking for the catch, the bridge does require a direct line of sight between the two locations, but the firm is reportedly looking to expand its non-line of sight family by the summer’s end.

via engadget