LG Curved OLED TV up for sale

by - on April 29th, 2013

So, you think that your spanking new flat screen TV in the living room is the bee’s knees, making you the talk of the neighborhood? Sorry to say, bub, but having the largest display in the vicinity is not going to cut the mustard any more these days. LG might have stumbled upon something new to the market that could very well kick off a revolution where TVs are concerned, with the announcement that their 55-inch (54.6-inch diagonal) Curved OLED TV (also known as Model 55EA9800) has gone for sale in its home country, South Korea, and deliveries are tipped to begin from next month onwards. This bit of news does make you want to make a move over to the country that gave us keen competitors to normally reliable Toyota vehicles, and of course, Gangnam Style.

From next month onwards, over 1,400 LG retail stores in South Korea will start to take orders and deliver them to the masses. These premium TVs have been slapped with a KRW 15 million price tag â€" and when converted, it would amount to the region of $13,500 thereabouts. You can already see the kind of second hand car that you can drive in exchange for such money, no? Having said that, LG’s Curved OLED TV’s availability announcement would give LG the distinction of being the first and only company to commercialize both the flat screen OLED TV as well as the Curved OLED TV, which ought to provide LG with a significant lead in this market segment.

The new LG EA9800 model would sport the industry’s very first curved screen ergonomic design, where it offers an “IMAX-like” viewing experience right smack in the comfort of your own home. Thanks to over five years of research when it comes to developing the optimum curvature, the entire screen surface is equidistant from the viewer’s eyes, which does away with the issue of screen-edge visual distortion and loss of detail. Anyone interested in this? You might want to start saving up from now on.

Press Release

Case Scenario Pantone Universe Bookcase announced for iPad mini and iPad

by - on April 28th, 2013

It goes without saying that after you have forked out a fair amount of money for your spanking new iPad or iPad mini, taking months of savings along the way, that you would want to do your very best to ensure that it does not garner scratches whenever possible, and of course, it also makes perfect sense that you would want to coddle the iPad from knocks and even worse, drops. What’s one to do then? Well, getting a decent tablet case for your iPad is a no-brainer here, but with so many models to choose from, what do you do then? Case Scenario might have something right up your alley, with the Pantone Universe Bookcase for iPad Mini and iPad been announced.

This trendy Pantone Universe Bookcase has been crafted from premium soft nubuck leather, where it boasts of a front cover in order to keep both the front and back of the iPad Mini and iPad protected from those unwanted details â€" namely scratches, dust and dirt. On the front cover of the Pantone Universe Bookcase for iPad Mini and iPad cases, you will be able to fold these into a couple of standing positions â€" catering for both landscape and viewing angles, which makes it ideal for FaceTime chatting, typing and browsing the internet.

When it comes to color choices though, the Pantone Universe Bookcase for iPad mini can be said to be rather limited, where one will be able to pick from a couple of sleek colors, namely Scarlet Sage (19-1559) and Tap Shoe (19-4004), for $50 a pop over at Ron Robinson. If you do not own an iPad mini, but an iPad instead, you would be in a far better position, where the Pantone Universe Bookcase for iPad would come in a wide array of bright and stylish colors, namely Green Flash (15-0146), Azalea Pink (16-2126), 19-1663 (red), 15-4101 (grey) and 19-3939 (blue) â€" for $70 at Fred Segal, Ron Robinson and Nordstrom.

Press Release

LG Cloud service goes global

by - on April 26th, 2013

In the 21st century, the cloud is no longer the domain of the skies, but rather, it is an online service that has brought plenty of benefits to the masses, since it enables one to stash some files online (as long as space permits, of course) in one’s account, which can be accessed anytime, anywhere â€" so long as there is a decent Internet connection, of course. Different companies have come up with various cloud services, ranging from Dropbox to Google’s suite of productivity apps, and now we have South Korea consumer electronics giant LG having announced the global availability of the LG Cloud service. First launched in the US, South Korea and Russia last year, the LG Cloud (which happens to be a TV-centric service) will be introduced in over 40 other countries that will include Europe, Asia, Central Asia and Latin America regions by the end of May.

Just what does LG Cloud bring to the table? For starters, it will pave the way for users to stream content straight to LG Cinema 3D Smart TVs, in addition to deliver a convenient location to store entertainment content which will automatically synchronize between PCs, smartphones and TVs.

Richard Choi, senior vice president of the Smart Business Center at LG Electronics, said, “LG Cloud eliminates the time-consuming process of having to download or manually transfer content between devices. Today’s consumers are no longer loyal to only one type of screen. They move seamlessly from TVs to PCs to smartphones and it’s up to us to help them get the content they want whenever and wherever they want it. LG is one of very few companies that can offer integration across so many display products.”

With the LG Cloud app, one is able to access videos, photos and music the moment it is uploaded to the user’s account. You can get it from Google Play or the LG Smart World store, where this easy-to-install app will play nice with LG CINEMA 3D Smart TVs, PCs and Android smartphones.

V-Moda delivers Metallo smartphone case

by - on April 24th, 2013

I am quite sure that many of us have heard the name of V-Moda before, and this time around, they have unveiled yet another smartphone case for the masses, although it will concentrate more on the high end models. I am referring to the new Metallo designer cases from V-Moda that will cater for the Samsung Galaxy S3 and iPhone 5, where each Metallo case’s main reason of existence is to defend your smartphone without compromising on style, while offering a perfect balance of solid tactile feel and lightweight portability. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?

The V-Moda Metallo was specially designed as a standalone case, but it also has a “hidden power” so to speak, that is, to work in parallel with V-Moda’s recently announced VAMP VERZA mobile Hi-Fi amplifier, DAC, and battery charger. This definitely helps make life easier for those who want to build a collection of accessories around a single brand, not to mention having the brand’s design DNA infused in each of these individual accessories for a more uniform look. The V-Moda Metallo will come with interchangeable back plates to deliver maximum versatility, and will include a solid aluminum plate and the Verzadock that will bolt itself onto VAMP VERZA’s 4-bolt main design, allowing you to slide and lock the smartphone to this portable audio powerhouse.

Just like many of the newer devices and accessories these days, the Metallo too, has been forged from the fires of Mount Doom itself â€" nay, I jest, but rather, from a single aluminum metal block that is machine milled and laser-cut via a state-of-the-art, precise design process which requires a full hour to complete each case. Got to love the unique V-ANGLE design as well as tactile audio feedback of switching back plates that sounds as though you are unsheathing a sword. Sharp! The asking price for the Metallo for the Samsung Galaxy S3 and iPhone 5 would be $101, where it will arrive in Red Coral, Silver Snake, Orange Serpente and Black Mamba designs.

Press Release

Samsung announces ATIV Book 5 and ATIV Book 6

by - on April 26th, 2013

Samsung has an entire slew of consumer electronics devices, and these range from home appliances to entertainment devices, and one other segment that they are particularly big in would be the smartphone and notebook industries. The thing is, the ATIV name has traditionally been attached to Windows-powered devices, where the Samsung ATIV S was their maiden attempt at a smartphone which runs on the Windows Phone 8 operating system. Well, just like how the Galaxy name offers a slew of smartphones and tablets that run on the Android platform, Samsung has decided to give the ATIV name more leeway, where it will now include all of its Windows based PCs. With that in mind, one ought to take note that there are two new notebooks released under the ATIV banner, namely the Samsung ATIV Book 5 and the Samsung ATIV Book 6.

The Samsung ATIV Book 5 was specially designed for speed and mobility, where it represents the next generation of Samsung Ultrabooks. It will come with 24GB of ExpressCache to deliver rapid boot up and load times, allowing them to access their favorite apps and programs on the vibrant 14” touchscreen in a jiffy. It tips the scales at a mere 4.19 pounds and measures under an inch thin, letting you bring the Samsung ATIV Book 5 wherever you want to be productive without missing a beat.

As for the higher powered Samsung ATIV Book 6, this will be the notebook that Samsung hopes will be able to deliver the ultimate computing experience without having to sacrifice mobility. It will be an elegant touch-enabled laptop that comes packed with a top-of-the-line Intel Core™i7 processor, accompanied by a 15.6-inch full HD touchscreen, has Samsung’s exclusive RAMAccelerator technology to enable the ATIV Book 6’s 8GB RAM to function up to 1.5 times harder compared to traditional memory.

Regardless of which model you choose, they will come preinstalled with SideSync technology, which will enable users to seamlessly switch from working on their PC to their Android-based Samsung smartphone. This is done in a simple manner, all one needs to do is hook up the two two devices via a USB cable, and you’re good to go, responding to a SMS on a smartphone using your PC keyboard, now how about that? The Samsung ATIV Book 5 and ATIV Book 6 models will retail for $899.99 and $1199.99, respectively.

Station offers a modern day caddy for your devices

by - on April 25th, 2013

In this day and age, it is not surprising to hear of someone carrying a couple of smartphones around, not to mention a tablet and other kinds of different hardware. The thing is, when you get back home after a long and gruelling day outside, there must be a place where you can “park” all of your devices in an orderly manner, no? Some folks might just dump everything on a basket that is placed on the table, others could not care less and leave the devices still in the coat pockets, but for folks who happen to have a neat streak in them, a desk caddy might sound like a good idea. No, I am not referring to you hunting down one of them little pixies and asking her to be your personal caddy ala golf, but rather, the Station caddy which has been perfectly crafted and designed from bamboo, delivering a modern and minimalist design.

The Station caddy intends to be the focal point of any desk or countertop, where it will do its job by stashing away your most important day-to-day items while adding a dash of class and elegance. Needless to say, the Station does bring back with it the old school desk caddy look, although it has kept up with the times by throwing in a modern twist, enabling an additional space for you to proudly place your smartphone. This works even better if you so happen to have the kind of dough to drop for the likes of a Vertu handset, but otherwise, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4 would do just fine.

The Station caddy was carefully constructed in smooth bamboo to have enough space to house most of the modern day smartphones out there, including the hugely popular iPhone, the Samsung Galaxy series and other Android-powered devices. This makes it easier for you to change your phone without having to fork out more money for a new caddy. The Station’s asking price stands at $39.99 a pop, where shipping will commence in the middle of May onwards.

Press Release

Sony’s New Digital Recording Binoculars – Up Close and Personal

by Julie - on April 24th, 2013

I guess I wouldn’t call myself a birdwatcher, but there are quite a few interesting creatures hanging out around my house, most notably a very noisy Woody-Woodpecker type bird that startles me awake each and every morning, believing someone is firing an automatic weapon at my house. I’d love to get some pictures of that bird, but I always seem to miss the “moment”

Well, Sony has an answer to some of those missed wildlife moments, or even some of that quick sports action that usually passes you by… Check out Sony’s DEV-50V new, smaller, lighter, and weatherproof HD digital recording binoculars. This second generation of binoculars not only gives you excellent viewing, they also give you the ability to to take HD video with stereo sound, or snap 20.4 megapixel stills with just the touch of a button, and low light is no problem!

The DEV-50V is actually 30% lighter than the old models and includes splash and dust resistance, so a little inclement weather shouldn’t rain on your parade. The DEV-50V has a variable zoom that allows you to zero in on your “target” with a magnification range of up to 25X and it utilizes a new Hyper Gain function which electronically increases brightness in your viewfinder, so you can locate and frame things even in dim conditions.

These binoculars also have an electronic autofocus, so theres no need to manually focus, like with your old low tech binoculars, and it keeps things sharp even if they’re moving. Yes, the DEV-50V has geo-tagging capability and it lets you record scenes in awesome 3-D! I love it! The new DEV-50V digital recordable binoculars from Sony will be available in June for about $2000. Yikes! I might have to save up some cash, but rest assured, either way â€" I’m going to “shoot” that bird.

Fantasy Caskets – For your Dream Funeral

by Julie - on April 11th, 2013

We all know its inevitable, we’re all going to die. Quite frankly I’m not exactly sure how we so easily cope with that fact… but we do. I guess technically its the last relatively major event of our lives (or does the fact that we’re dead mean it doesn’t actually qualify?) Okay let’s not get philosophical here. I think planning for our eventual demise is a good thing, we plan for everything else, why not our last hurrah?

It used to be that our “send off” options were pretty slim, from a pine box to an extra large perma-seal metallic, a casket was a casket so to speak, but not anymore! Check out these cool Fantasy Caskets made by specially skilled craftsman in Ghana. For over 50 years the Ga people have been turning out these amazing coffin options meant to symbolize the deceased’s vocation, hobby or perhaps even a vice or personality trait. In Ghana funerals are not only a time of mourning, but a time to celebrate the person’s life, and their passing into another life.

Your “afterlife” options are endless, from fish and lobsters to Mercedes and cell phones these brightly colored works of art that are likely to last a lifetime (okay, I admit, in this case I don’t really know what that means) but it IS likely you’d be the first on your block to be buried in a giant iPod and thats got to be worth something. These Fantasy Caskets sell at markets in the Ghanaian capital, Accra for around 400 to 600 dollars US, which by the way, is about a years wages for the folks over there.

I have to admit I was leaning towards cremation, that is, until now. I can really see myself heading out in a giant bottle of wine. To see more pictures or to learn more about these West African artisans please visit Ghanaweb.com

Logitech Wireless Headset H820e launched

by - on April 22nd, 2013

Logitech has just launched the Logitech Wireless Headset H820e, where it has been specially manufactured for unified communications and PC-based soft phones, delivering together enterprise-grade audio as well as innovative features, all crammed into an affordable package that delivers wireless freedom which is practical for just about anyone and everyone in the organization, and it is also capable of working in all types of locations â€" ranging from traditional cubicles to open offices, and heck, even from home.

Just what do you think the Logitech Wireless Headset H820e will be able to deliver right out of the box? For starters, it comes with true-to-life sound, so even if you work in the noisiest of environments, the noise-cancelling microphone would still be able to help you get your message across loud and clear, where it is made possible thanks to the acoustic echo cancellation and digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities. Other than that, do bear in mind that the headset has been optimized for Microsoft Lync, and will also play nice with all major unified communication and soft phone applications, Cisco platforms included.

You will be able to garner an industry-leading 10 hours of wideband talk time, which should be more than enough to get through even the longest workday. You will be able to choose from two models â€" mono and dual, which will work with one ear and both ears, respectively, and regardless of which model you choose, you will still not have to fork out more than $200.

Logitech has decided to design the Logitech H820e based on their heritage for human-centric design, where it boasts of an in-call LED indicator light located at the back of the microphone boom so that it prevents interruptions during calls, on-ear volume control buttons that have been carefully positioned on either side of the head band that makes it easy to find via touch, and auto-pair by docking.

Press Release

Archos rolls out a trio of affordable Android smartphones

by - on April 20th, 2013

Archos must have taken the past few years to learn all that they can concerning the Android-powered platform, be they tablets or smartphones, and the French company has even rolled out their fair share of Android-powered tablets in the past, too. Well, this time around, they do intend to make a more incisive headway into the smartphone industry with the announcement of a spanking new smartphone range, with prices starting from as low as just $99 a pop.

Archos’ first line of Google certified smartphones will not compromise on quality, at least from what we see on paper, as each smartphone will feature a super slim design, an IPS screen with amazing viewing angles, a powerful Qualcomm CPU and the flexibility of dual SIM cards so that you are able to be more productive with a single device. The three smartphones in question would be the Archos 35 Carbon, Archos 50 Platinum and Archos 53 Platinum.

Share features and hardware specifications among all three of these new smartphones will include a pure un-skinned Android OS for those who like the stock Android experience, Google Certification for access to Google Play and Google Mobile Services such as Google Now, dual SIM capability, a full Black Screen process, the inclusion of Archos Media Centre Apps for music and videos, cloud-based contacts and storage, as well as two cameras â€" one in the front and the other behind.

These devices will range from 3.5” to 5.3” in size, where the Archos 50 Platinum is the flagship model among all three, sporting a stunning 5” full black IPS display paired with a quad-core 1.2GHz processor and an 8-megapixel shooter.

The Archos 35 Carbon, Archos 50 Platinum and Archos 53 Platinum will retail for $99.99, $219.99 and $249.99, respectively, where they will roll out in Europe from the end of next month onwards, and hopefully, the rest of the world too, will be able to get a taste of Archos’ hard work this time around.

Toshiba KIRAbook unleashed

by - on April 20th, 2013

When it comes to slim notebooks as well as Ultrabooks, there are quite a number of candidates to choose from, so to speak, although Toshiba did not really manage to spend plenty of time on the radars of ordinary folk, perhaps due to the marketing efforts of other companies such as Samsung, Apple and Dell. Well, this time around, Toshiba does look as though they have a winner on their hands which will be the Toshiba KIRAbook, an Ultrabook that would come under the umbrella of the premium KIRA brand.

The Toshiba KIRAbook holds the distinction of being the company’s first Ultrabook that has an ultra-high resolution PixelPure display, in addition to coming in a striking new lightweight and compact design that has been precision engineered with AZ91 pressed magnesium alloy. The Toshiba KIRAbook can be said to embody the elegant nature of the new brand, thanks to a striking industrial design, premium build materials and an exceptional overall experience â€" and you will also have peace of mind after purchase since it comes with a two-year warranty in addition to complimentary Platinum service and support.

Let us check out the nitty gritty details of its specifications. The KIRAbook will boast a native resolution of 2560 x 1440, delivering 221 pixels per inch, in addition to having a choice of standard and touchscreen display configurations, where the latter will definitely help you maximize your Windows 8 experience. KIRAbook’s touchscreen models will make use of Corning Concore Glass that delivers damage resistance and a smooth, 10-point multi-touch surface. On the productivity side, you will be able to enjoy Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11 software right out of the box.

Your ears too, will be tantalized thanks to the inclusion of high-quality stereo speakers by Harman Kardon, who are a leader in premium audio, where it is further complemented by audio processing by DTS. A high-capacity Li-Polymer battery should let it last the entire day, while a 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM will keep the 3rd generation Intel Core processor company. Pre-orders for the KIRAbook will begin this May 3, where prices start from $1,599.99 and go all the way to $1,999.99.

Product Page

G-Technology announces brand new G-Drive Pro

by - on April 10th, 2013

G-Technology has just announced the spanking new G-Drive Pro that boasts of Thunderbolt capability, where this could very well be your next purchase candidate when it comes to a compact, desktop external hard drive which will offer hard drive capacity alongside the benefits of SSD-like performance. In addition, it will be able to take full advantage of the speed and power of Thunderbolt. By leveraging on G-Technology’s well-known G-Drive design, the new G-Drive Pro with Thunderbolt is capable of delivering sustained data transfer rates of up to 480MB/s, and as we all know, that would mean it is up to three times faster compared to standard issue 3.5-inch desktop external hard drives.

At this point in time, new high-resolution media formats and related files sizes do require massive amounts of storage space in addition to ever faster data transfer rates so that one can efficiently edit and distribute content throughout the workflow without being inefficient. If one were to take a look at the figures, it would be staggering. Take for example, an uncompressed 2K digital video format, that alone will take up more than one terabyte (1TB) per hour, and will require approximately 305 megabytes per second (MB/s) sustained throughput for smooth editing without experiencing any kind of dropped frames. Such high-resolution video formats, alongside the rising popularity of higher megapixel DSLR cameras which are used to capture professional 2K video, has served up a need for a new high-performance storage solution that will be able to cater to the requirements of today’s digital content creators.

The G-Drive Pro with Thunderbolt will be made available to the masses later this summer via G-Technology and its Premier Channel Partners. The asking price for the 4TB G-Drive with Thunderbolt will cost $849.95, while those who are on a tighter budget or do not have that much need for space can settle for the $699.95 2TB G-Drive Pro with Thunderbolt.

Press Release

Ergonomical Back Massager

by - on April 16th, 2013

Many of us office drones tend to suffer from bad backs after spending so many hours in front of the computer monitor, hacking away on our keyboards to finish up that report that was due since yesterday. Couple that with poor diet and a dire lack of exercise, and you have got a recipe for a bad back. Well, good to know that there are ways to obtain some form of relief, and the $99.95 Ergonomical Back Massager would definitely be one of them.

The Ergonomical Back Massager comes across as a lightweight back massager that sports a superior ergonomic design, making it a whole lot easier to pinpoint aches as well as pains located at your back. This would do away with the need to contort the body in targeting hard-to-reach areas of the back, as all you need to do is hold up the massager in front at waist or hip level, allowing its curved arm to arch around your shoulder. The massaging “ball” head would then be placed in the ideal position so that it can get to work, relieving tense neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles. Need to reach your lower back? No need to strain yourself, where all you have to do is lift the handle to chest level, and you’re good to go.

All controls are located at the handle, where its dual-speed motor delivers 4,500- and 5,500-rpm oscillation, which is ideal for light relaxing pressure or penetrating deep massage. It comes with a trio of massage heads: a “point” for precise trigger point release, “knuckle” for multiple knots in the same area, and a “palm” to help promote circulation, and guess what? The Ergonomical Back Massager will play nice with your feet, too.

The New Seiko Astron – What Time is it Where You Are?

by Julie - on April 17th, 2013

In our fast paced world it seems as though there is nothing more important than time. We keep track of it constantly, how much of it we need, how long things will take, and how little time we have left. People have been marking the minutes since.. well, the beginning of time. People are still wearing watches, more than just a fashion statement, the watch seems to be referred to more often than our phones, checking to see just how late you are to your next meeting or how long you need to wait for lunch.

If you’re the watch wearing kind, you might want to check out Seiko’s newest offering, the Astron. I guess it’s not exactly new, Seiko has been making the Astron since 1969, but now we have a brand new Astron, the worlds first GPS, solar watch. Yup, I have to admit, it not only looks gorgeous, but this quartz watch has an accuracy within one second every 100,000 years!

It’s true, the Astron does not require winding, or a battery, in fact it doesn’t need an external power source at all, because it is completely self-sustaining. The watch uses only the power of light and is able to connect to the GPS network and adjust itself (at the touch of a button) to whichever of the 39 time zones you may find yourself in. I guess it should also work for those pesky Daylight Savings time changes.

So here’s a watch that sets itself, has a perpetual calendar that will be correct until February 28th, 2100 and runs on the power of light hitting its dial. (and that’s any light, not just the sun!) Available in titanium, stainless steel or even special edition styles, the new Astron is available now and if its time for you to have one, you can get it from amazon.com for right around 2,500 bucks.

iPhone Recovery Pro – So you Don’t Totally Lose it!

by Julie - on April 16th, 2013

There’s a lot of good and bad that comes with technology, most of it is good, and I love it. But while our smartphones and computers streamline our lives they can certainly complicate them as well.We rely on our SmartPhones and computers for everything, all of our most important information, and then I’m also concerned about our kids, their connection with the world around them may just be too intimate. I love my electronics, don’t get me wrong, but I’d like a tool that keeps everything and everybody safe.

Check out ER-220 SmartPhone Recovery Pro not only does it back up the data you have, but gets you back the things you deleted as well. All of us know the horror of watching the little trash can open and close and then realizing you just made a horrible mistake. ER-220 can be used to recover deleted data from your iPhone quickly and easily, and to display all your information on an intuitive interface residing on your Mac. Being able to see deleted data… that’s a very good thing.

The software lets you see almost all the existing data on your phone, but best of all, it allows you to recover your deleted stuff including messages, call history, contacts, notes and calendar entries, and the all important iTunes files. Recovery Pro lets you have access to all your phones info, even if you have your phone no more. Recovery Pro also lets you take all your precious information and easily export it to your Mac as a backup file.

The software runs from the Flashdrive, so you won’t need to install a conspicuous file anywhere, and it seems to me that it can not only save you from the trauma of losing your phone or information but more importantly, for those of us that need it, a pretty sneaky way to check up on your kids or spouse.. yeah… I went there. To find out more, or to check out the Windows version, visit enigma-recovery.com Think of it, piece of mind, for under 80 bucks.

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 5 gets full Spotify integration

by - on April 7th, 2013

Bang & Olufsen, the purveyors of fine audio systems, did announce and roll out the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 5 in the past, but this time around, there is something new about the BeoSound 5, as it has now received full integration with Spotify. This particular integration would see the introduction of yet another feature to the BeoSound 5 system, where its range of digital music would have been expanded even further thanks to Spotify’s massive music catalogue, apart from the owner’s own digitized tracks. If that is not enough, you can always settle for another 14,000 internet radio stations, which should be more than enough to last you through a few lifetimes. Do bear in mind that this particular integration has been built into all new BeoSound 5 units, so if you are gunning for this system, now would be a good time to get it.

Bang & Olufsen’s category manager Theis Moerk, shared, “Bang & Olufsen owners told us they wanted Spotify, and we listened. More and more consumers are choosing to stream their music, and in many markets streamed music outsells CDs. However, low bit rates have kept a lot of music fans on the fence. With Spotify now fully integrated into BeoSound 5, Bang & Olufsen owners have access to over 20 million songs in the best possible streaming quality. The partnership with Spotify is an important step in keeping Bang & Olufsen owners up to date with the growing availability of digital entertainment, and we look forward to further collaboration with Spotify in the future.”

BeoSound 5 would give you complete command of all your music, regardless of where it is stashed, and “central command” would comprise of a single intuitive interface. It seamlessly connects to a plethora of sources, where it will encompass NAS, Airplay, DLNA, A2DP Bluetooth and of course, the latest kid on the block, Spotify. If you are interested, the BeoSound 5 would retail for a whopping $6,324.

Press Release

SuperTooth announces trio of hardware that debuted at CES 2013

by - on April 13th, 2013

SuperTooth has been around for some time already, and they did grace CES 2013 with their fair share of products, although those devices were not available back in January, but it is pretty nice to know that a trio of devices are now readily available for purchase, and they are the Disco Twin, the HD Voice, and the Disco 2 Colors, which happen to be stereo speakers sold in pairs, an in-car speakerphone with the ability to converse in a dozen languages, and an aptX-streaming mono speaker, respectively.

The Disco Twin will retail for $199 a pop, although each set comprises of two units, which are a pair of portable, rechargeable speakers that feature true right/left stereo, and individual units come equipped with 16 watts RMS audio power, accompanied by double speakers located in front and a high efficiency bass reflex system at the back, and they will work in tandem to deliver a combined 32 watts of pure sound. Music too, can be streamed sans wires from any Bluetooth-enabled device to the Disco Twin. All users need to do is pair their Bluetooth device to both speakers, and you’re good to go. Its integrated rechargeable batteries should be able to last from 3 to 4 hours continuously.

As for the $89 HD Voice, this will be a Bluetooth hands-free car kit that boasts of instant installation, all you need to do is clip it to the sun visor in the car, and pair it with any compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, and you will be able to make hands-free calls regardless of the ride that you arrive in.

Last but not least, the Disco 2 Colors would be a $99 Bluetooth speaker that churns out 16 watts RMS audio power, sporting a couple of speakers in front as well as a bass reflex system on the back, and will arrive in white, pink, blue, red and green colors. As long as your device supports Bluetooth A2DP, the Disco 2 will be able to stream music sans wires.

Out of the three, which suits you best?

Press Release

Samsung NX1100 Smart Camera

by - on April 13th, 2013

Samsung is extremely well known for churning out a wide range of consumer electronics devices, and their Smart TVs have really taken center stage for quite some time already, and so have their collection of smartphones, especially with the Samsung Galaxy S3 that has proven to be quite a tough competitor against the likes of the Apple iPhone. What about the digital camera market? Well, they do have some decent offerings, but right now, if you are going to pick up a dedicated digital camera, the name Samsung is not going to be at the top of your list, although they have tried pretty well in the past. Their latest offering would be the Samsung NX1100 Smart camera that is said to blend professional image quality alongside instant photo sharing and editing.

Just what does the Samsung NX1100 Smart camera offer right out of the box? For starters, it will boast of a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor that will offer with it fast shutter speeds of up to 1/4000 seconds, allowing the NX1100 to capture premium photos and videos which have been rated to be on par with those found in Samsung’s NX Series. The Samsung NX1100 will bring with it a large, bright 3.0-inch LCD display for you to compose images, 1080p HD video capture, as well as technologies such as Smart Auto 2.0, which would enable even a novice photographer to snap photos like an expert.

Not only that, if you want to share memories with the Samsung NX1100, then it is a snap to do so, where a single touch of a button would allow the user to connect over a Wi-Fi network, where this is made possible courtesy of a dedicated Smart Link Hot Key that is located on the top of the camera. Pressing that button lets you share photos instantly and securely between the camera and a mobile device, or you can also opt to do so directly to social media sites like Facebook and YouTube.

To ensure that you get the most bang out of your hard-earned buck, the Samsung NX1100 will also be bundled with Lightroom 4, which already carries a $149 value and easily upgradeable with a release of each future version. How much will the Samsung NX1100 cost if you are interested in picking one up? $599.99 should be about right, where it comes in white and black shades.

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Korg announces new KROSS keyboard

by - on April 12th, 2013

When it comes to electronic keyboards, there are different brands to choose from, and Korg has been an established name in this area for a long, long time already. Well, Korg’s latest addition to their electronic keyboard range has been called the Kross, where it is a mobile, affordable, keyboard workstation with audio/MIDI recording capabilities, and can operate on AC power or battery power (with the latter requiring half a dozen AA batteries to run), in addition to a vast selection of cutting-edge sounds. You will be able to choose from 61 keys or 88 fully-weighted keys, where it also holds the distinction of being the first battery-powered, full-featured Korg keyboard workstation.

It is said to feature rich sounds which are definitely top of its class, while carrying practical features such as analog-style step sequencing and built-in audio recorder, where all of those have been crammed into a lightweight and portable package. It seems that Korg is intend to hit the nail on the head this time around with the Kross offering specifications and style which will exceed people’s expectation of a keyboard at this price point.

Kross is said to come with roughly double the sound sample data compared to preceding Korg models such as the X50 and the PS60. You will find essential sounds like rock/jazz organ, strings, brass, and synth sounds in there, where they have been carefully treated to upgrades and enhancements, in addition to carrying instruments like the toy piano, accordion, combo organ, church organ, and of course, vintage instruments such as a tape sampler. Time to start composing a new set of your own tunes, no?

Those who are interested in picking up the Korg Kross keyboard workstation will be able to do so from this August onwards, where it will come with two price tags due to the different configuration. The 61-key Kross will retail for $699 a pop, while the 88-key model is more expensive at $999.

Press Release

Ferrari by Logic3 announces FS1 Air speaker dock

by - on April 11th, 2013

When you hear of a name like Ferrari by Logic3, you know for sure that this is no ripoff, but rather, it is a collaboration between one of the most successful stories in motorsports racing along with an audio company that always wants to deliver nothing but the best to its customers. Well, their latest collaboration has resulted in what they call the FS1 Air speaker dock, where this particular speaker dock will come with AirPlay technology which enables it to stream music wirelessly from iTunes or Apple devices.

Just what kind of hardware does the FS1 Air offer? Well, it boasts of a sophisticated design that was clearly inspired by the Scuderia Ferrari racing team, achieving a balance between the GT Car’s innovative lines, creases and curves along the way. Not only that, there is also a 2.1 speaker system which will incorporate Apple AirPlay technology so that users are able to stream their favorite tunes sans wires from iTunes or Apple devices. This is one flexible speaker system which also sports Bluetooth connectivity, just in case you do not happen to own any AirPlay compatible device in your household, preferring instead to rock to Android or Windows based devices.

Oh yeah, did we mention that the FS1 Air speaker dock will also come with an Apple Dock connector that allows you to charge and play your Apple device simultaneously? The FS1 Air will boast of a compact design which in essence, allows it to be the perfect addition to any room in the house, or if you prefer to perk up your workplace, at the office. It will incorporate patented Class HD Technology alongside a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that controls the crossover and equalization processes, delivering an end result which goes along the lines of best performance, natural musical timbre and extended low frequency response.

If you are interested, be prepared to fork out a rather hefty $649 for the FS1 Air Speaker Dock from Ferrari by Logic3.

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iCarta 2-Bluetooth Toilet Paper Holder

by Julie - on April 10th, 2013

I’m not one to enjoy talking about potty habits. Personally, I don’t actually go to the bathroom (although I challenge anyone to prove otherwise) My husband and daughter on the other hand, are true professionals. They have preferred toilet paper, favorite air fresheners and each one has a stack of magazines a mile high. Each of them can tie up a bathroom for 20-30 minutes easily.

Well this next gadget isn’t going to help matters any. Check out the iCarta2 Bluetooth Stereo Toilet Paper Holder, this nifty little gadget allows you to listen to your favorite tunes while taking a sh… um, shower! Thats it! while taking a shower, or any other restroom activities that a little musical entertainment might add some enjoyment to. The iCarta will wirelessly stream your music from up to 10 feet away (leaving your device far from the steaming sh… oh yeah, we’re going with shower) Play music and podcasts from your iPhone, iPod or even your Android Smartphone.

Also a formidable toilet tissue holder, the iCarta is easily installed and goes with almost any bathroom decor. The unit has two 4 watt speakers, powered by four AA batteries and works with mobile devices that run Bluetooth 2.0 or higher, including iPod and  iPhone (3.0 and higher), or iPad and Android Devices.

The iCarta also has an LED indicator for both power and pairing status as well as volume controls. So if you find yourself a little light on entertainment options for your bathroom, the iCarta2 will provide you with about 20 hours of playtime with fresh batteries. That should be plenty of time, don’t you think? Get one at amazon.com for under 60 bucks.

New Panasonic Streaming Media Player Does it All, including 3D!

by Julie - on April 9th, 2013

I can’t say I’m a huge fan of television, movies yes, but TV, not so much. I find myself leaning more towards streaming my home entertainment and ditching the darn cable company and its 200 dollar a month bill altogether. I would have done so already, but my husband and 10 year old still watch prime time television, I know, I can’t believe it myself! I don’t know what they’re watching together, I’m in the other room with my Netflix, I’m trying to remember the last TV show that was really worth watching, if you know of one, please let me know.

In the meantime, Panasonic is providing us with some fantastic entertainment options in it’s brandy-new Streaming Media Player DMT-MST60. The MST60 let’s your TV go where it has never gone before. Including VIERA Connect, this stand alone streaming media player will give you access to all kinds of web entertainment including gaming, videos-on-demand, sports, Skype and many other App options.

The MST60 also gives you Miracast, allowing you to stream content directly from your smartphone right to your big screen TV. And lets face it, your own personal photos, videos and games are likely to be some of the best stuff on TV! Content sharing is also a simple task because of the unit’s built in Wi-Fi, look mom! no wires or cables!

The MST60 also works some magic on your everyday television viewing with it’s cool 2D to 3D conversion. Using a special digital conversion process, Panasonic’s Streaming Media Player let’s you watch your 2D entertainment in” jump out at you” 3D. Awesome! Now if you guys could tell me what to watch.

So get all you can out of your TV and give yourself every option with Panasonic’s New Streaming Media Player. You can have one in a few days for only 99 bucks from shop.panasonic.com.

Griffin announces SeeSaw and No. 2 Pencil Stylus

by Edwin - on March 31st, 2013

When it comes to peripherals for your tablet, you will definitely be able to figure out that Griffin Technology is a name that you should take notice of, considering how they have managed to position themselves to be one of the world’s foremost creators of innovations for everyday life, with the recent announcement of the SeeSaw for iPad, as well as No. 2 Pencil Stylus for touchscreens, where these two gadgets are ideal for use in situations such as classrooms, labs or study groups.

Just what is the SeeSaw? Well, this is a lightweight, portable case that comes with a built-in carrying handle. It will be able to transform a user’s iPad into a personal or group tabletop workstation, making it balance in a steady and stable manner, which is more than ideal for viewing, tapping and typing. Not only that, with the SeeSaw, it makes things incredibly easy to hold, carry and use. As a user, you are able to quickly switch between portrait and landscape orientation, as you retain full accessibility to ports, cameras, speakers and controls. Not only that, the SeeSaw is also made out of nonporous material, which is a snap to remain clean without much effort.

As for Griffin’s No. 2 Pencil Stylus, this particular tablet accessory will help modernize the most iconic writing instrument of all time, which incidentally is the No. 2 pencil. The No.2 Pencil Stylus will be a stylus which will play nice with just about all capacitive touchscreens. Sporting a high-sensitivity rubber tip, it has been designed to mimic a finger without having to leave behind fingerprints or smudges. It is definitely a faithful reproduction of the classic yellow pencil, Griffin’s No. 2 Pencil Stylus will come with a satisfying shape, length and weight which delivers a special kind of writing feel that cannot be found in shorter, lighter styluses.

The SeeSaw will be compatible with iPad generations 2, 3 & 4, where it comes in pool blue or citron for $34.99 a pop, and the No. 2 Pencil Stylus is available for $19.99 if you want one.

Press Release

LG Avatarbook announced

by - on April 7th, 2013

When we talk about consumer electronics firm LG, what comes into your mind first? Well, of course those snazzy looking Smart TVs would be right on the top of any wishlist for most folks, in addition to the wonderful fridges that seem to have a whole lot more functionality thrown into the mix compared to the TVs of yesteryear. Well, here we are with a new kind of interactive smart TV app which will do a whole lot more to augment your little one’s imagination, as it enables young learners to end up as part of beloved children’s stories as well as songs. In a nutshell, the LG Avatarbook will place your little ones squarely in the thick of action.

The Avatarbook smart TV app will enable children to see themselves onscreen as the main characters, where they will appear as animated versions in various classics such as Aladdin, Pinocchio and Alice in Wonderland. Other than that, Avatarbook is also a fantastic method for young learners to engage in a far more direct manner with age-appropriate literature and music.

Richard Choi, senior vice president of the Smart Business Center at LG Electronics, said, “Avatarbook is part of LG’s commitment to bringing child-friendly, interactive educational apps to its Smart TV platform. As a medium, Smart TV has unlimited potential to really engage young learners in new and compelling ways. As a leading Smart TV manufacturer, we believe strongly the need to develop unique applications that the entire family can enjoy.”

It is all too easy to be part of an exciting tale or happy tune on Avatarbook, and most kids are able to do so themselves. First of all, one will have to choose from 10 fun songs or five classic children’s stories, following that, they will be able to capture a self portrait by using the LG Smart TV’s integrated camera. There are 20 different hairstyles to choose from, in addition to changing the size, shape and contrast of their new avatar’s face. Expect it to be on LG’s App store later this month.

Press Release

Kindle Fire HD 8.9” 4G LTE to arrive at AT&T this April 5

by - on April 2nd, 2013

So, you have been on the lookout for a spanking new tablet of the non-Apple variety for the longest time now, but your budget never really gave you the opportunity to bring home one that has above average specifications without breaking the bank. What are you to do? Enter the Kindle Fire HD 8.9” 4G LTE which is said to arrive at AT&T stores this coming April 5th (just three more days, your patience will pay off, trust me on this), where each purchase will also help you be eligible for another $150 off in credits, now how about that? Not only that, AT&T has plans for the mobile road warrior, where they intend to introduce the possibility of adding the AT&T Mobile Share Plans to a tablet for a mere $10 monthly.

AT&T has proudly laid claim to having the country’s “fastest 4G LTE network”, and to see that work in tandem with the Kindle Fire HD 8.9” is definitely worth a sight to behold. Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD 4G LTE 32GB tablet will cost $399 a pop outright, but if you want a 2-year data plan to go along with it, that would mean an instant savings of $150 off, as mentioned earlier.

Chris Penrose, senior vice president of emerging devices, AT&T, said, “Being the first carrier to connect Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD to our 4G LTE network provides the best mobile internet experience. Combining our 4G LTE with Kindle Fire HD’s rich features at an incredible price point yields a great value and experience for our customers.”

Just to refresh our memories on just what the Kindle Fire HD 8.9” is able to deliver, well, it has been touted to be the highest-resolution, largest-display Kindle Fire to date, where it was specially designed for entertainment purposes, and yet is ideal for web, e-mail, apps, movies, games and magazines. With a 8.9” display at 1920 x 1200 resolution and a whopping 254 ppi pixel density, your eyes will definitely be more than happy with the visual quality it delivers.

Press Release

Minox DCC 14.0 digital classic camera

by Edwin - on March 31st, 2013

When it comes to digital cameras, most of us would think of the usual suspects, them established names such as Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Fujifilm, Sony, and perhaps even Samsung, but how many of you would figure out just where Minox would fit into the picture? Minox has come up with their latest model, the Minox DCC 14.0 digital classic camera that seemed to have gone through a shrink ray of sorts. This particularly small camera has been created to a scale of 1:3, allowing it to fit in the palm of your hand. As its name suggests, this bad boy will come with a 14-megapixel sensor, in addition to a fixed lens and an optical viewfinder.

However, if you decide to bring home the Minox DCC 14.0 digital classic camera for yourself, you should not have too high expectations of it, especially when it comes to its image quality. Forget about it being able to rival higher-end (and considerably larger) retro-shooters including the Fujifilm X100S. Checking out the Minox DCC 14.0 for the first time, it looks more than decent, where it comes complete with nice touches including a chrome-plated brass lens cap as well as a metal plug-on optical viewfinder. The Minox DCC 14.0, however, is more of a collector’s toy compared to being a serious photographic tool for obvious reasons.

There will not be the 14-megapixel CMOS image sensor as stated, but the F2.4 7.4mm lens that comes with it will offer a focal length equivalent that is approximately 45mm in 35mm format. When one figures that out, it is somewhat akin to a 1/2.5-inch sensor (5.76 x 4.29 mm), which is similar to the one deployed in a budget compact point-and-shoot. Makes perfect sense after all, as this is basically what the Minox DCC 14.0 digital classic camera is all about, although it comes in an extremely fantastic looking package.

Capable of capturing photos in 640 x 480 resolution, storing them onto an SD memory card, and has a 4x digital zoom, a minimum focusing distance of 50 cm (20 inches) and a two-inch LCD right at the back, you will be able to bring home the Minox DCC 14.0 in a choice of either black or silver colors at $240 a pop.

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Hamilton Beach’s New “Mc” Breakfast Maker

by Julie - on April 4th, 2013

There are a few things in my life that are a given, if there is chocolate in front of me, I will eat it, no exercise of any kind is fun, and anything that happens before 10 in the morning probably isn’t worth having to set the alarm for. However, I have a 10 year old that still requires a good breakfast and a ride to school at *gasp*  six-thirty in the morning! Now while I’ve gotten pretty good at driving in my sleep, making breakfast? Not so much.

Well the folks over at Hamilton Beach have the answer to my one of my problems with their new electric Breakfast Sandwich Maker. This nifty little countertop delight makes breakfast making quick and easy. Using your own fresh ingredients, you can whip up your own “Mc” specialties using any combination of eggs, meat, veggies and cheeses with English muffins, biscuits or small bagels and Voila! You have a sandwich that practically builds itself.

All of the Breakfast Sandwich Maker’s removable parts are dishwasher safe, and the cooking surfaces are covered with a durable, nonstick coating. It has a small footprint, preserving some of your valuable countertop real estate, and it’s very simple to learn, so even a child could do it. Hmm… I wonder if 10 years old is too young to make breakfast, while mom gets an extra 10 minutes of sleep? We’ll have to see. The Breakfast Maker comes with some quick and easy recipes to get you started. So if you need a healthy alternative to the drive-thru breakfast, the Hamilton Beach Breakfast Maker may be for you. Get yours today at amazon.com for only around 29 bucks! Me? I’m teaching the kid… and hitting the snooze bar!

Barbuzzo Spin the Shot – Drink! Drink! Drink!

by Julie - on April 3rd, 2013

Every New Year comes and goes with me making the same resolution. I am going to drink more and eat less. I dont know why I never seem to get around to it. I keep hearing about the benefits of a little red wine. Although, to be honest, it’s not really the benefits that I’m looking for. I just want to start having a little more fun. Perhaps not quite as much fun as I had in college, but fun nonetheless!

Well nothing brings back those “fun” college days like good old fashioned drinking games, who can forget whiling away the weekends (while you should have been studying for your psych exam) sitting around a folding table with 16 of your closest friends killing brain cells by the hundreds? Well now Barbuzzo brings us Spin the Shot, similar to everyones favorite party game, Spin the Bottle (without the risk of viral infection), Spin the Shot lets you pour a shot of your beverage of choice and, and with a single spin, choose the person who will have to drink it.

Evidently, the spinner is solidly constructed with enclosed ball bearings helping to ensure a smooth and steady spin, so theres no fear of spilling your precious “beverage du jour” and the long controlled spin adds to the fun and excitement of waiting to see who the next victim will be. I think we can come up with quite a few alternative methods of play, including some that involve kissing, or maybe even a single player game where you run around the table and try to anticipate where the arrow may land. I don’t suggest you tell anyone that you play drinking games alone… I’m just saying. So bring the party home, with the Barbuzzo Spin the Shot drinking game. Available from Amazon.com for under 14 bucks!

Amazon updates their Cloud Drive Desktop app

by - on April 2nd, 2013

Well, if you have yet to enjoy the wonders of the cloud, perhaps it is time to do so, and what better way to start than with a name that most folks are more than familiar with, even more so, trust? Amazon has their Cloud Drive app out for some time already, and now, they have introduced yet another update for the Cloud Drive Desktop app that will introduce a spanking new file synchronization feature which would make life easier for the end user to manage files across multiple computers, all thanks to the updated Cloud Drive Desktop app. This new app will play nice with both Windows and Mac platforms, where it will also include File Sync, which will enable users to easily store and access files in the Amazon Cloud right from a folder on their computer regardless of where they are, as long as they remain connected to the Internet.

All files that are stashed in this particular folder will also see a copy stored automatically in Cloud Drive, and it is easily accessible. Whenever you choose to install the app on a second computer, your entire collection of synced files will also be “transported” there as well. Don’t you think that this particular idea would make it extremely simple for users to place files in Cloud Drive, sort of an “upload and forget” mechanism?

At least it shows how seriously that Amazon is taking its web services infrastructure. Right now, documents which are stashed in Cloud Drive will be automatically available in the Docs library over on the Kindle Fire. As for photos, those stashed in Cloud Drive will automatically be available in the Photos library on Kindle Fire and Cloud Drive Photos for Android. All photos which have been uploaded from the Cloud Drive Photos app on your phone are also automatically downloaded to the Cloud Drive folder on your computer.

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Iron Man suit for sale

by Edwin - on April 1st, 2013

So you want to be a genius, billionaire, playboy philanthropist, but lack the looks, smarts and money to play the role? Never mind then, you can always dress up in Tony Stark’s alter ego, the mechanized Iron Man who seems to be invincible when it comes to taking in all the heavy hittin’ from enemies, regardless of which dimension that they come from. In a nutshell, this Iron Man suit might just be the only weapon you will ever need, although it still puzzles me where does Tony Stark go when he wants to relieve himself in the midst of battle. This Iron Man suit will not come cheap either, as it carries a price tag of £250,000, which is a relative bargain when you compare to what it offers. I would dare say that a full fledged Iron Man suit packs far more firepower than a couple of F-35s, and yet to cost a mere drop in the ocean compared to those futuristic jet fighters? It is a steal.

Specially crafted from a mix of steel and carbon, it will also ensure that the iconic red/gold Iron Man colors are featured for easy identification. The Mark XLVII headset utilizes projected holographic technology, while the presence of hand-mounted stabilization jets ensures that you do not simply fall out from the sky. Those will work in tandem with the thigh-mounted flare development system, helping deliver optimum flight control, while there are cameras located on the shoulders as well as wrists for improved flight-safety.

All right, so it sounds so out of this world, that there might just be a sliver of truth to it, no? Unfortunately, our dear readers, this Iron Man suit that you have just read about is as real as Tony Stark himself â€" both of them do not exist in our reality other than being a figment of our overactive imagination. Imagine how many of such suits would the rich of the world purchase if it were to be true!

Remote Controlled Adjustable Incline Mattress Wedge

by Edwin - on March 30th, 2013

There is nothing quite like having a nice, long sleep after a particularly hard day at work, at the office, or even in the house with tons of chores left to be completed on the list. Of course, having the right kind of bed, mattress, and lighting would also affect the quality of your sleep, so it makes perfect sense to invest a lump sum of your hard earned cash into a decent bed. After all, since one spends approximately one third of one’s life in bed, a fantastic place to lie down would be worth every penny. The $199.95 Remote Controlled Adjustable Incline Mattress Wedge might be something you want to look into, as this bed wedge can be adjusted at the touch of a button.

This is the life, don’t you think so? After all, since you are already so tired, why not just enlist the help of a button to get the job done? You do not want to break your back after a day’s worth of, er, for the lack of a better word, back breaking labor. The Remote Controlled Adjustable Incline Mattress Wedge is made from durable, heavy-gauge PVC, complete with heat seal-welded double seams to deliver added strength and interior baffles for stability. It will fit between a box spring and a mattress, and the remote itself comes with a simple three-button operation which is a no brainer to operate.