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, 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 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 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.

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.

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

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

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 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

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."

Sharp Corporation, Japan has announced the "MP-A100/A200" a new silicon audio player with built-in FM transmitter. The new player will come in white or red 256/512MB models. The biggest feature of the player is the FM transmitter which allows for transmission of music to car stereo or radio (FM). Other features include MP3/WMA (WMA DRM) support, lyric indication support, Liquid crystal display 10 letter x5 line indication, large-sized scroll key, MP3 encoding, MP3 sound recording, built-in microphone, radio sound recording from the built-in FM tuner and the direct sound recording from analog audio input.

Continual playback 20 hours, ( with FM transmitter use 5 hour). Measures 54x85.6x9.4mm and weighs 70 g. Set for release April 15th. Expected price 256MB model approximately 15,000 Yen, 512MB model approximately 25,000 Yen.

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The orbital wheel AKA the hubless wheel is a wheel reduced to its essential part: the outer ring. Since the wheel is free of midwheel structural constraints, it is touted to introduce a series of advantages and technological breakthroughs.

The USB Hub Wheel W is a 4-port USB hub that supports USB 2.0. The cable part is a hand-wound cable, so when the panel is rotated, the cable can be stored inside of the housing. It has a body size of 93 x 35 x 87mm (W x D x H), and it weighs about 90g. Windows 98 and above is supported, as is Mac OS 8.6 and above.

The USB Senpuuki Mist W is a USB fan operating by bus power. In the middle of the blades is a backlit logo plate. The stand features a bendable wire so the unit can be put into any position and stand o­n its own. The fan blades themselves use a soft material to prevent injury. The body size is 400 x 28 x 887 (W x D x H, including stand). It weighs about 60g. Windows 98 and above is supported, as is Mac OS 8.6 and above.

HP yesterday, introduced a new, fresh look for its HP Pavilion and HP Media Center Desktop PCs and monitors, providing consumers with a PC that offers enjoyable digital entertainment experiences and functional design that fits effortlessly into the home. The new look has taken a few pages from the Mac mini design book.

HP's new desktop PC design offers simple lines and light colors unifying the PC with the company's consumer product portfolio. HP's advanced design and functionality make it easier than ever to enjoy digital entertainment and digital photography from the PC. For example, select models provide an easy connection to an R-series HP digital camera(1) or the Apple iPod from HP via a removable docking station located on the top of the PC chassis. models include the HP Pavilion d4000 Series Desktop PC,(2) the HP Pavilion a1000 Series Desktop PC, and the HP Media Center m7000 Series Photosmart PC .

via Mac Mini Gear

Shimadzu's HyperVision HPV-1 camera can record at a million frames a second allowing you to capture great detail reports Engadget, although the camera shoots in monochrome (312 x 260 pixels), the frames per second makes it all better. Other features Windows-XP powered control unit with a 20GB hard drive and Ethernet/USB2.0 connections; images are stored as either AVI, TIFF or BMP. Price $205,000

via Engadget

Toshiba Corporation, Japan, has announced an ultra-rapid recharging lithium-ion battery capable of reaching 80% recharge in about 1 minute. Toshiba will conduct product development for lithium ion batteries with more power and industrial use, and plans o­n including them in notebook PCs and mobile phones Toshiba plans commercialization in 2006.

Lithium ion batteries have traditionally required a long amount of time to recharge from a high energy density, but this new lithium ion battery uses nanoparticles for its negative pole.

via TechJapan

One of the hot factors about TiVo is the ability to fast fwd or rewind through commercials, in an effort to make some advertising revenue, TiVo has started to serve pop up ads while you fast forward or rewind through commercials. Not unreasonable right, well, the thing is, that instead of putting the popup in a corner, it is dead center. so you can't miss it. - via Read More

The Sorapot Concept is designed to bring health and balance to the user's life by accentuating the act of preparing tea, thus encouraging people who drink tea occasionally or not at all to make tea a part of their daily lives. via Gizmodo.com

Read More joeyroth

How to get purchased protected iTunes tracks on your PSP.
How to use your PSP as a Personal Digital Organizer
How to Read Web Comics on a PlayStation Portable.

Sharp is set to introduce the Healsio Water Oven, a superheated steam oven, on a worldwide scale. The Healsio Water Oven, which roasts food by spraying superheated steam at 300 degree Celsius, can squeeze out excess fat and salt in meat and fried foods while preserving vitamin C in steamed vegetables. - Price: S$1,799 (US$1,111) CNet

Samsung has announced the YEPP YP-C1 portable music player. The player will be available in grey, red, and yellow. Features include MP3, WMA, and OGG, playback, FM tuner and voice recorder. via Engadget

2.1 Channel / Engineered to maximize the Apple iPod as a plug and play setup that fits almost anywhere / 2 Satellites and Subwoofer - J&R

Simmons Jewelry Co. has announced an accessory jacket for the new Sony PSP, the portable play station entertainment unit. The Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons piece is made with one pound of gold and 8ct yellow and black diamonds on the front and crock finishing on the back. Baby Phat and Phat Farm logos accented with Simmons Jewelry Co diamonds dangle from the bottom of the luxurious accessory. The $35,000 design fits over any PSP . factio-magazine

Samsung has announced the SPH-V6500 and SCH-V650, two "file-viewing" (PDF, Word, Excel, etc) mobile phones. A remote control function provides universal control of home appliances including the air conditioner, PC, game console, TV, DVD, VCR and even the automobile. Other features include a 1.3 megapixel camera, a anti-bacterial silver nano-particle coating and 16 million-color LCD display. Mobile Tracker

Amazon is taking Pre-Orders for Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger . Price: $129.99

Features:

Expected to be available in first half of 2005.
Surf, receive RSS news-feeds, personalize content, and view Web pages in 1 place
Safari RSS consolidates most recent news and info from the Web
iChat AV multi-way video and audio conferencing with a stunning 3D interface
Open and close Dashboard instantly using function key to access Widget mini-applications

Japanese Energy Technology company NEDO presented the Actroid at the World Exposition 2005 in Aichi, Japan. i4u reports the Actroid understands naturally spoken words and can carry on a conversation with a guest, answering in a natural voice. The Actroid speaks Chinese, Korean, English and Japanese. When communicating with a guest the ACTROID responds with natural gestures such eye movement and smiling. More

JAVOScreen is a screen guard that is easy to apply and protects your PSP. Read More Ubergizmo

ecoustics
Both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD discs enable HDTV reproduction because of their massive storage capacities. Using dual-layer techniques, HD-DVD can store as much as 30 gigabytes of data while a Blu-Ray disc can pack in a whopping 50 gigabytes. In the lab, techies already are working on several-layered discs that could allow more than 100 gigabytes of storage on one disc. Read More

Wipeout Pure takes advantage of the PSP's WiFi capabilities to give gamers 1-2 new race tracks and other downloadable content each month. A uuser figured out a way to load webpages using this downloadable content access area, which it turns out is basically a HTML/JS capable web browser. Read More at PSP411

zatznotfunny - " Basically, you need to unlock your .tivo file and convert it from MPEG2 to MPEG4. To do this, download two free programs: 3GP Converter and AviSynth 2.55. Install AviSynth and then launch 3GP. The first time you run it, configure 3GP for English and set output to PSP, Direct, Renamed. You'll also need to edit the 3GP .ini file so that it recognizes Tivo files by adding this line in the [Avisynth] section: Ext3=TIVO:\cores\AVS_Skelton.avs. Once you've done that, launch 3GP, choose an output directory, drag your .tivo file in, enter your Tivo Desktop password, and conversion should begin."
Read More

A few weeks ago a file purporting to be a Sony PSP update made the rounds on the net, that file showed a host of features that could come to the PSP, apparently that file (assumed -- could be another file) has appeared again. Sony had this to say

"We have become aware that there is a software program going around on some Web sites and Internet bulletin boards claiming to be an update file that rewrites the system software of the PSP hardware," says Nanako Kato, a spokesperson for Sony in Tokyo.

"This software has not been issued officially by [Sony] and does not function properly. We advise our users not to execute or apply the program as it will cause the PSP hardware to stop operating," she says.

Telecom equipment providers and network operators, including such industry heavyweights as Deutsche Telekom, MCI, NTT, Cisco Systems and EarthLink, have linked to form an alliance designed to combat the increasing scourge of Internet attacks.

The Fingerprint Sharing Alliance has set up an automated process for sharing attack profiles across service-provider networks. By sharing profiles, often called "fingerprints," the Telecom giants hope to stop denial-of-service attacks, worms and viruses quicker and closer to the source reports informationweek.com

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in what is now being called one of the most important copyright-infringement cases brought by film and music Plaintiffs against tech-startup defendants Grokster and StreamCast Networks.

At issue is whether technology companies are liable when people use their programs to illegally download music and videos, a question that has implications for many companies.

"Grokster and StreamCast cannot escape the reality that copyright infringement is their business," lawyers for the movie and music companies contended in court papers, adding that a company should be liable whenever the "principal or primary use" of its product is piracy.

A judge has ordered Sony Corp. to pay $90.7 million to Immersion Corp but immediately stayed an order that would stop U.S. sales of Sony's popular PlayStation consoles.

"There's no way that Sony's going to stop selling PS2s any time soon, so I don't see the injunction ever taking effect," said Michael Pachter, an analyst at Wedbush Morgan.

In 2002, San Jose-based Immersion Corp. sued Sony, saying the Japanese company infringed on patents related to "vibro-tactile" technologies that simulate the sense of touch in videogame play. The suit specifically names the PlayStation consoles, Dual Shock controllers and 47 games.

Working 220 miles above Earth, Leroy Chiao of NASA and Russia's Salizhan Sharipov, installed hardware that will be used to help dock Europe's new cargo ship, the Automated Transfer Vehicle, which is scheduled to fly next year. The gear included antennas and a Global Positioning System receiver. The two men also released a 1-foot-long, 11-pound satellite called Nanosputnik. They opened the hatch at 1:25 a.m. EST and concluded their spacewalk 4 1/2 hours later.

The station, which has just two of four stabilizing gyroscopes working, drifted for about 20 minutes, NASA said. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration also said the station held steady longer than expected. When the astronauts were out of the danger zone, the thrusters were fired to regain the correct attitude.

everythingusb looks at the Evolution of USB over the Past 10 Years

"The past 10 years have witnessed the birth and growth of a new bus technology called Universal Serial Bus (USB). For the first few years after its introduction, many industry insiders wondered where this technology was heading. While it was designed to connect computers and telecommunication gear, it became a universal bus for a host of peripherals including consumer electronic products. Since its inception, USB has made significant contributions to the desktop, and peripherals alike." Read More

The FCC has adopted rules reached between the cable and consumer electronics industries that will help smooth the transition to DTV for millions of Americans. These "plug-and-play" rules will ensure that most cable systems are compatible with DTV receivers and related consumer electronics equipment. Read More

ecoustics - It's interesting to walk onto a busy retail floor on a Saturday afternoon and eavesdrop on customers agonizing over their HDTV selection. Flat panel, CRT or projector? Front projection or rear? Plasma, LCD or DLP? Big (42-inches), bigger (60-inches) or behemoth?

Now you'd think, after putting all that time and effort into selecting the display device, they'd put equal effort into getting the sound right. Instead, if left on their own, they typically spend just a few minutes deciding between the $199 and the $249 pre-packaged home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB).

Somewhere along the line the importance of sound to the whole home theater/home concert hall experience has been lost.

Read More at ecoustics

The folks at LordPercy, tackle the podcasting definition

A Podcast consists of high resolution MP3 or other audio files wrapped in a RSS feed, RSS or really simple scripting is widely used on the web as a means to create news feeds or product updates that can be read by browsers and other websites.

RSS 2.0 is used to underpin Podcasting by the use of the enclosures tag, the RSS feed is exactly the same XML code as the one you can get BBC news through except that the enclosure tag is used to point at media files (in this case audio). A Podcasting client such as Ipodder reads the RSS feed which is made available on a website URL and downloads the files highlighted by the enclosure tag in the background, as soon as all the files are ready the new Podcast is shows as available in the client.

Read More

Another Business 2.0 Goodie from their look into Apple's future

This Wi-Fi-based home network and media server would be the ultimate digital appliance, managing everything from music and photos to TV recording and office tasks. Shown here are the system's hub, an IP handset for Web-based calls, an iSight device for videoconferencing, and a single iRemote to control it all.

Product image by Pentagram Design: Robert Brunner, Kenny Sweet, Darren Blum, and Symon Whitehorn.

According to Greg Sterling, a Kelsey Group analyst, Google's Gmail killed any hope MSN or Yahoo! may have had of getting users to pay for mail storage." MSN & Yahoo still managed to squeeze a few pennies for mail storage above 250MB, however with Google's Gmail full scale launch imminent, Yahoo has leveled the playing field with Google's Gmail.

The company yesterday announced plans for an increase of current 250MB email boxes to 1 gb. The new mail box size will be available by Mid April. With More space comes more viruses, so Yahoo will provide software from Symantec Corp. to clean viruses detected in attachments
When Google introduced "Gmail," Yahoo provided just 4 megabytes of free e-mail storage. Yahoo, which runs the world's most popular Web site, has gradually increased its e-mail capacity in response to Google's competitive threat.

"They're removing storage as one of the deciding factors" when people chose a e-mail service, said Charlene Li, an analyst at Cambridge, Mass.-based Forrester Research Inc.

Just one day after Apple Computer announced a fix to the 'security hole' in itunes, the programmers behind PyMusique on Tuesday announced that they had found a new way around the copy protection in Apple's iTunes. By using the PyMusique utility a customer can purchase songs from the iTunes catalog and store them on their hard drive without any form of copy protection. It also means those audio files can be played an any AAC compatible MP3 player and exported to any number of machines reports PCMag. This software also permitted a re-download of the same songs without making a second payment.

John Lech Johansen on his blog said "The iTunes Music Store recently stopped supporting iTunes versions below 4.7 in an attempt to shut out 3rd party clients. I have reverse engineered the iTMS 4.7 crypto which will once again enable 3rd party clients to communicate with the iTMS."

More from Business 2.0's look into Apple's future -

The portable player would utilize Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and enable users to remotely connect to the iTunes store or the music kept on their computers. The dark color distinguishes it from today's iPods, which require wired connections to download or listen to songs.

The World Expo opens in Japan on Friday in Aichi Prefecture and it will showcase some of the latest technology in eco-friendly energy. The folks at impress.co.jp (japan) have a first look at what to expect

Sony is offering free video downloads for the Sony PSP via their Connect service. Sony also explains with a tutorial how to download, transfer and play video on the PSP.

A Guy sold his 1988 volvo 744 turbo to a used car dealership for 600 bucks, plans on spending around 550 on the psp. 250 for the system, 150 for the 1 gig stick and 100 on games. View the Amazing Story

- Seen at Kotaku

The folks at Engadget ventured out in the slush last night for the sights and sounds from the Sony's PlayStation Portable Launch Party. Due to prior plans (get to bed early so I could go to store in morning to buy PSP) I had to past on the event. From the picture account the new york folk had fun.

PSP Case, Protection and Storage Roundup

There's a wild assortment of protectors out there with different users in mind and similarly varied price tags. PSP411 has rounded up ten PSP cases for a head-to-head battle. Entrants are: JP's PSP Case, PDair Leather Face Cover, Sony Soft Case (included w/ Value Pack), Madcatz Hard Case, MadCatz Leatherette Case, Airform PSP Case, Aero Case, Intec Leather Case, Intec Aluminum Case and the Logitech Playgear Pocket Case.

PSPWare integrates your Sony PSP with your Mac, simply, effectively and non-intrusively!

The world's largest personal computer maker, Dell Inc., on Wednesday introduced two low-priced server computers in it's continuing bid to convince customers that networks of PC-style machines can handle tasks generally reserved for much bigger ones reports Reuters.
Dell, which mainly sells its PCs to businesses, has had mixed success persuading corporations to use its products to run key programs.

According to one analyst, Dell has succeeded in preparing easy setup for the machines, the PowerEdge 6800 and 6850, which each can have up to four Intel Corp. chips.

"They've figured out how to package pre-tested database (systems)," said Joe Clabby, an analyst with industry research firm Summit Strategies who is based in Yarmouth, Maine.

Tuesday, Astronomers detected light from two planets circling stars outside our solar system, using a space telescope. One of the planets is 140 light years from Earth and the other one is 500 light years.

This marks the first time light from 'extra-solar' planets has been confirmed, and scientists at NASA say it means other distant planets can be directly measured and compared. "We've been hunting for this light for almost 10 years since extra-solar planets were first discovered," said David Charbonneau of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.