ZuneHD Video MP3 Player, $220 Microsoft’s ZuneHD is an excellent alternative to Apple’s iPod touch, but not if you like apps or dislike the Windows-only media sync software. The new model’s 3.3-inch, 480×272 multitouch display and compact form prove that MS can get the design right given a couple of tries. ZuneHD’s squared-off geometry (53mm x 102 mm x 9 mm) is trendy and unpretentious, and frames a smooth, Tegra-powered user interface. It comes in 16GB or 32GB, black and silver, $220 and $290. Once loaded with music and video, you’re all set … assuming that’s all you care about. Offered with it is a convincing subsription plan: $15 for all you can eat music over WiFi, locally cached, and you get ten keep-’em-forever MP3 downloads each month. ZuneHD’s ability to output 14Mbps 720p video over HDMI is a killer app: this tiny PMP, three of which may fit in a deck of cards, is also a serviceable living room media center. There are annoyances. In bright sunlight, that lovely OLED display disappears behind glassy reflections. Microsoft’s bloated software reminds us why it’s just not necessary to jazz-up mundane, straightfoward stuff like media organization. ZuneHD doesn’t show up as a USB drive, either. Its lack of an internal speaker is a likely annoyance for those used to the iPod touch: could you imagine having to wear headphones to enjoy games or hear incoming app notifications? Moreover, the first batch of available programs are amateurish and slow to load, with interstitial advertisments playing before they open. Let’s not even get started on the lack of a cellphone edition or the platform’s obvious superiority to Windows Mobile 6.5. Get the ZuneHD if you like the looks, run Windows, and don’t care about apps. ZuneHD [Official website] Zune HD 32 GB Video MP3 Player [Amazon] Umid mbook, $600 Photo: Dynamism.com Umid’s mbook miniaturizes the laptop to the point of near-absurdity: weighing just 0.7 pounds, it’s 6″ wide, 4″ deep, and 0.7″ thick. Smaller even than Fujitsu’s U-series, it has a 4.8″ display, a similarly tiny QWERTY keyboard, and netbookish hardware running Windows XP. Intel’s 1.33GHz Atom, 512MB of RAM and a 32GB SSD lurk within. Outside are a microSD card slot and a single micro-USB port. Assuming you can type on it–and don’t assume you’ll be comfortable doing so until you’ve actually used it–other flaws mar it. The hinge only lets it fold back about 130 degrees, making it difficult to view and use two-handed. There’s no trackpad or nub, just the touchscreen and a stylus: bearing in mind that XP is not very accessible to touch in any case, finessing that high-PPI 1024×600 display is often a chore. An option for 3G internet would have added some magic. Finally, there are better-looking MIDs about to hit stores, including Sharp’s NetWalker and Nokia’s N900. That said, if you want a real computer that fits in a normal pocket, this is currently the leader of that very small pack. UMID mbook M1 product page [Dynamism] Lenovo IdeaPad S12, $430 With its 12″ display and Via Nano chipset, Lenovo’s IdeaPad S12 is larger than most netbooks, but doesn’t quite qualify as a mainstream machine. The 1280×800 screen resolution offers 200 more lines than most Atom-based miniatures, and the $430 price tag keeps it competitively priced against them. On the other hand, Windows XP and dismal 3D video performance suggest the same old limitations. 1GB of RAM doesn’t go far these days, either. In practice, the Via processor and HD display do lift the the S12 out of accessory territory, making it a productive and useful machine with an attractive budget price. And if the choppy full-screen YouTubes and lack of HD video get you down, it can be configured (for another $70) to have Nvidia’s ION graphics chipset, which adds graphical grunt and 1080p HDMI output. The design is clean and unfussy, a stout plastic chassis in black or white, with no silly keyboard shenanigans to make typing a pain. BlueTooth, WiFi, a 160GB hard drive, an ExpressCard slot and a 6-cell battery round it out. Lenovo’s S12 hits a sweet spot between compact size and practicality. It’ll be most interesting to those who’ve been turned off by the experience of cheap netbooks, but who are still looking for something small. Product Page [Lenovo]

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Gadget reviews: ZuneHD, Lenovo S12 netbook and Umid’s Mbook pocket PC.

Boutique PC maker Puget Systems (Read: Deluge Mini review ) is the first to offer Nvidia’s Ion platform as an option for custom desktops. Though they won’t challenge real video cards for performance, Ion’s wedding of netbook-class CPU with a bit of graphical grunt is perfect for cheap-running computers that won’t choke on HD video or a bit of light gaming. This scenario is embodied by the Puget Echo I, which has an Intel Atom 330 CPU, an X25 SSD or 500GB hard drive, optional Blu-Ray, WiFi and up to 8GB of RAM. (A more powerful sister model, the Echo II, has Intel Core 2 Duo and standard plug-in video card options.) Prices begin at $562 barebones, or $775 with basic components and Vista Home. Configure an Echo I [Puget Systems]

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Puget sounds off with Echo, the first custom Nvidia Ion desktop

Filed under: Aftermarket , Gadgets , Etc. , I.C.E. AT&T is starting to work with pockets of customers to test its CruiseCast satellite-based entertainment service before officially putting the TV/radio service on wide offer. When the whole clan is on the go, it may work to keep everyone calm and quiet, and when your Prevost motor coach is loaded up with everything else, you might as well go for the TV service, too. Truckers sticking DBS dishes on their rigs would likely be pleased with the CruiseCast system, especially since AT&T is using some new technology developments by RaySat that defeats the typical issues with line of sight obstacles and underpasses. For comparison’s sake, Sirius is cheaper and offers much more variety than AT&T’s 20 music/talk radio stations, but their optional Backseat TV service only offers three television channels, and they are all geared for the kiddies. Conversely, AT&T’s CruiseCast hardware must be professionally installed and will set you back $1,299, and the monthly payment is $28. Once the service is available for all customers in early June, they’ll have 22 television channels to choose from. All that for the price of a used car and more than $300 bucks a year in subscription costs. Official press release posted after the jump. [Source: Engadget ] Continue reading Eyes on the Road: AT&T bringing CruiseCast in-car satellite tv to market Eyes on the Road: AT&T bringing CruiseCast in-car satellite tv to market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Read ?|? Permalink ?|? Email this ?|? Comments

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Eyes on the Road: AT&T bringing CruiseCast in-car satellite tv to market

Filed under: Gadgets , Etc. , Tech , Volkswagen Vehicle infotainment systems, those all-inclusive interfaces controlling the myriad electronics on today’s modern cars and trucks, can make or break the driving experience. CNET is offering us a sneak-peek at Volkswagen’s latest iteration from the company’s Electronic Research Laboratory (ERL). Developed with Intel, the new system uses Global Open Research Infotainment Architecture, or GLORIA. Most systems today us a joystick-like device, touch screen, or hard buttons on the edge of the display (or a combination of the three) to control the inputs. Volkswagen’s new GLORIA system takes it one step further by making Apple iPhone-like “gesture control” possible. This means that users are able to navigate quickly by simply tracing single letters across the pressure-sensitive display. Another unique feature may allow users to import third-party widgets for the system, much like consumers currently load apps from iTunes onto their iPhones. As cool as it sounds, GLORIA is still under development and she isn’t expected to see showrooms for a few more years. [Source: CNET , Photo by CNET] REPORT: Volkswagen’s next-gen nav system to get Apple iPhone-like gestures originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink ?|? Email this ?|? Comments

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REPORT: Volkswagen’s next-gen nav system to get Apple iPhone-like gestures

Filed under: Gadgets , Etc. , Euro , Tech Google has already faced plenty of issues with its Street View technology, not the least of which has been angry Japanese citizens and invasion of privacy lawsuits from Americans whose driveways were mistaken for a roads. Beyond these unforeseen issues, there’s also the rather obvious problem of taking images of places a Chevy Cobalt just can’t reach. Consider that problem (at least partially) solved with the new Google Trike. The three-wheeled, human-powered overgrown tricycles carry 250 pounds of ballast in the form of “a mounted Street View camera and a specially decorated box containing image collecting gadgetry,” says the internet giant. All that extra heft reportedly requires a “specially trained super fit” rider. Google’s new trikes will be deployed first in Genoa, Italy, this spring. Assuming that launch proves successful, Google will send its pedal-powered cameras to the United Kingdom, where they’ll point their lenses towards a slew of famous British landmarks. Have a good one in mind? Google says its open to suggestions and will be working with VisitBritain to pick the most desirable locations to shoot. To assuage those averse to getting their pictures taken, Google promises to “apply our face-blurring and license plate blurring to all these images to protect people’s privacy.” [Source: Google via Wired ] Continue reading Google Street View switching to trikes for roads less traveled Google Street View switching to trikes for roads less traveled originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink ?|? Email this ?|? Comments

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Google Street View switching to trikes for roads less traveled

Filed under: Gadgets , Etc. , Porsche Porsche owners have long reveled in their ability to smoke the competition on track and street, but now Porschephiles can also leave their marque’s mark on the backside of burgers, hotdogs and ribeyes. Grill marks, of course. Barbeques Galore and Porsche Design Studio have burned the midnight oil for two years while working on the the new X-Series Grill. Under its sleek, German-styled exterior lies some fairly hot grilling technology. Instead of the standard gas burners found in most grills, the X-Series uses four infrared burners that can crank out 52,000 BTUs using 50% less fuel with 80% fewer flare-ups. By our very rough shadetree estimates, that should be good for a zero to steak time of about 10 minutes. Or so. With a starting sticker price of $5,999 Porsche Design’s first grill comes with a motorized rotisserie, an LCD temp display with remote probe, and an insulated double-walled hood. Step up to the X-Series Island (above) for $8,499 for a stainless steel finish and concealed cupboards and gas cylinder storage. All models are covered under a lifetime warranty for service, parts and repair. Also included is the right to brag to your numbers that you have a Porsche in your backyard. Car-B-Q: X-Series Grill by Porsche Design Studio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Read ?|? Permalink ?|? Email this ?|? Comments

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Car-B-Q: X-Series Grill by Porsche Design Studio

Filed under: Gadgets , CES , I.C.E. , Ford Click the image above to view a video of the new SYNC system after the jump At the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show ( CES ) Ford announced that three new features would be included on the next iteration of the SYNC system: traffic data, GPS-guided directions and the ability to snag information from the web through the user’s data/GPS/Bluetooth-enabled smartphone to display or read weather conditions, sports scores and other information through the stereo. On May 26th, the upgrade will be made available to all current 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury owners (you download the update to your PC, then transfer it to the SYNC system through a thumb drive) and all new 2010 models will be equipped with the upgrade from the factory. But as Ford CEO Alan Mulally promised, there’s more on the way. Ford and Microsoft plan to continually update SYNC, and according to Charlotte Fisher from Ford’s Design and Technology team, “every six to eight to twelve months we’ll be delivering new services.” One of the possible features Ford could include on future iterations of SYNC is streaming internet radio, and Fisher confirmed that Ford is currently “talking with Pandora .” Can you say XM-killer? Hit the jump to watch a video of the new system in action. Continue reading Future Ford SYNC upgrade could include Pandora streaming Future Ford SYNC upgrade could include Pandora streaming originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink ?|? Email this ?|? Comments

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Future Ford SYNC upgrade could include Pandora streaming

Filed under: Gadgets , Etc. , Tech , Audi , Lifestyle Audi is obviously looking forward to being in the coming Gran Turismo 5. After all, the Quattro company has created a website to promote its car on the N?rburgring in real life and in the game, and it interviewed GT5 mastermind Kazunori Yamauchi about what fans can expect. Yamauchi-san revealed that the game is going to offer not only more vehicles, more online features, and increased detail, but it will also include night racing, damage rendering (previously confirmed), and weather changes. If you watch the Audi R8 Meets Gran Turismo 5 video, one of the game developers even talks of one day providing weather reports for an entire 24-hour race, and you can read the interview with Yamauchi-san by clicking on a PDF link here . The graphical and gameplay additions are surely welcome and long overdue, and could return GT5 to the head of the racing sim pack - whenever it finally gets here… View Poll [Source: GT Planet ] REPORT: GT5 to get weather changes, night racing - and yes, damage rendering [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Read ?|? Permalink ?|? Email this ?|? Comments

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REPORT: GT5 to get weather changes, night racing - and yes, damage rendering [w/POLL]

Filed under: Gadgets , Etc. , Tech Aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, vulcanized rubber…it was only a matter of time before somebody made a watch out of carbon ceramic. And who better to do it than Brembo and Meccaniche Veloci? The former you’ll know well as the most recognized name in brakes. The latter may be known to some of you as the Italian watchmaker that designed the Quattro Valvole timepiece , named and styled after the four-valve cylinder head and incorporating four individual automatic Swiss watch movements. Now the two have come together to produce a special edition Quattro Valvole Carbon Ceramico (CCM), unveiled at the 2009 Baselworld watch show, that could be the ultimate car watch even among a rapidly expanding sub-segment. The carbon-ceramic watch case is made by Brembo using the same process as it uses for producing racing brake discs. Short fibers of carbon are combined with high-strength ceramics and formed using high-pressure water jets. The result is incredibly strong yet lightweight construction that is also highly resistant to corrosion or deformation. Like Brembo’s brake calipers, buyers can choose between different color combinations of red, black, yellow or silver, and the watch comes with interchangeable straps in rubber and alligator leather. As well it should, at $15,000 apiece…another element this unique timepiece shares in common with a set of carbon ceramic brakes. [Source: Meccaniche Veloci via Gizmag ] Stop Time: Mecchanice Veloce and Brembo team up for carbon-ceramic watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Read ?|? Permalink ?|? Email this ?|? Comments

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Filed under: Gadgets , Marketing/Advertising , Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo Challenge iPhone game - Click above for a gallery What automaker isn’t trying to cash in on the iCraze? Most are scrambling to include iPod and iPhone integration into their newest vehicles, and many have tried to mimic the look and feel of the Apple devices with their latest concepts. The “people’s car” has as good a claim as any other automaker, and Volkswagen is looking to cement that with a new game for the iPhone and iPod touch. Developed by German mobile game studio Fishlabs, the Volkswagen Polo Challenge, like other racing games, works with the devices’ built-in accelerometer to control the car. Players can choose between eight different circuits to drive on while being serenaded by the music of Feinkost. When they’re done playing, mobile gamers can find the nearest VW dealership to check out the car in person. Just a month after its release, already 1.4 million people have downloaded the free game from iTunes. (Volkswagen’s Spanish subsidiary has also released a similar game highlighting the Seat Ibiza Cupra.) If you can read German, you can check out more info in the press release after the jump, along with the images in the gallery below. Continue reading People’s Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game People’s Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink ?|? Email this ?|? Comments

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People’s Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game