March 31, 2005

Logitech MX518 Review

EverythingUSB reviews Logitech' MX518

"Optical illusions are fascinating. What are really just a few dots of ink can effectively fool the mind's depth perception and color recognition, enough to make you look twice and try to feel what's actually there. The MX518 takes advantage of this art with its new faceplate. A dark metallic silver color appears to absorb light in different areas, giving off the appearance of very deep dents in the mouse itself. The Swiss-cheese-like 'holes' are very similar to the NASA photos of moon craters, or perhaps more like someone putting speed holes in a new car with a pickaxe. Whatever it looks like, it will definitely pull attention on store shelves with the see-through box it's packaged in." -Read More EverythingUSB

Critical Mention

Critical Mention, a Web-based TV search and monitoring service has announced the addition of 100+ markets in its CriticalTV 3.0 BETA platform.

The upgrade will provide users with access to broadcast content from over 400 national and local US channels from their desktops. In addition, the ability to order CDs and tapes of coverage automatically from within the CriticalTV app will have a tremendous impact on the multi-billion dollar broadcast monitoring market, and will establish Critical Mention as THE one-stop shop for communications professionals’ television monitoring needs. The new version will be officially released in May. More

Sony to establish small TFT company

Sony announced on the 31st that they have established a production corporation for small-size TFT LCD display panels, called "ST Mobile Display Corporation" (STMD). Production will begin in April. About 25,000 panels per month will be produced (550 x 650mm substrate base). Read More

Qwest raises takeover bid for MCI Inc.

Qwest Communications International Inc. on Thursday raised its takeover bid for MCI Inc. to $9 billion. Qwest's latest offer topped its previous bid of $8.45 billion and exceeds by 18 percent Verizon's sweetened offer of $7.6 billion that MCI accepted on Tuesday. MCI had cited Verizon's stable financial health and strong growth prospects as reasons for rejecting Qwest's previous overtures reports Reuters.. Denver-based Qwest is now offering MCI shareholders $27.50 a share, including $13.50 in cash and stock valued at $14. The company also strengthened protections against declines in Qwest's stock price.

MGM v Grokster

In an effort to save "billions of dollars" music and movie giants are looking to the Supreme Court to set Peer-to-peer services like Grokster and StreamCast Networks straight. On Tuesday the Supreme Court heard arguments from representatives of major film studios and the recording. The case began when MGM and several record labels filed suit against StreamCast Networks and file-sharing network Grokster, arguing that they were intentionally created to allow people to illegally trade copyrighted material. That case was thrown out by a circuit court in August, paving the way for it to be argued in front of the Supreme Court.

Korean PSP will ship with Online Access Enabled

According to sources in Korea, when Sony Computer Entertainment launches the PlayStation Portable, or PSP, in Korea on May 2, the first shipment of the handheld will come with Internet features ready for use. Sony is partnering with KT Corp., a major wireless Internet service provider in Korea, to offer easy online connectivity and other services. Read More

PSP sales OK

According to a Survey by American Technology only 50 of 150 retailers reported sell-outs of the PlayStation Portable in its first week. Analyst P. J. McNealy described the launch as "solid but not spectacular" Of the 100 stores American Technology surveyed that were not sold out of PSPs, 15 reported having three units or less. Others reported higher levels, with some having as many as 100 in hand reports CNN

DirtSurfer hybrid skates

The Dirtsurfer is a revolutionary skateboard that can be used on and off-road. CBS Television has tagged the DirtSurfer hybrid skates "skateboard-on-steroids" - DirtSurfer hybrid skates - $820

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idog

idog is a new iPod speaker from Segatoys Japan. idog features 7 kinds of LED lights that flash in many different patterns when the music is played through idog. idog is capable of changing its feelings from happy to angry by moving the ears and rotating the head and by changing the color of the 7 LED lights. Simply press on idog's nose to wake it up. idog will start to play music and wait for its owner to play with him. It gets happy when you touch its ears and pad on its head. It gets suprised when you touch its nose or wave in front of him. idog will become angry when you touch its tail. Segatoys idog is an one-of-a-kind iPod accessory. Limited edition product. $89 Audio Cubes

HP's new CEO

The world's second-largest PC maker, Hewlett-Packard Company, has named Mark Hurd as its new CEO. Speaking to reporters at the company's headquarters on Wednesday, Mr. Hurd, who takes the reins on Friday, said it would take time to acquaint himself with the challenges facing the company's five divisions, but he would not rule out anything that might be necessary to put the company back on track.

"We'll look at the entire enterprise," he said. "I can't give you any guarantees on anything." His first priority, he said, would be "improving operations, creating demand for our technology and increasing shareholder value."