Archive for the 'Gizmo Reviews' Category
Toyota High-Tech Simulator Helps Racecar Safety
Toyota has developed a computer simulation which recreates high speed accidents and their effects on human physiology. Using the new system called Total Human Model Safety (THUMS), the FIA Institute and Toyota have been able to study the kind of serious injuries that are difficult to measure with conventional crash-test dummies. The results of the new study are in the process of completion. The FIA Institute targeted that technology specifically to help study high speed rear impact crashes in the FIA Formula One World Championship and Indy Racing League (IRL). The THUMS technology has proved a very effective system in analyzing the complex interaction amidst the driver’s body and the car in a high speed accident.
This cooperative effort has led to a determination of the mechanism for spinal-stress buildup — the conclusion of a combination of g-forces and the strange seating position used in F1 and IRL racecars. The research has prompted considerations for measures to reduce stress on the spine during rear impact collisions. The FIA Institute expects that effort to lead to improved safety for F1, IRL and other single-seater racecar championships.
Iomega ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive can hold up to 9,250 hours of music or 750 hours of video
Iomega today announced the new Iomega ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive, a portable external hard drive that leaves the PC behind, delivering multimedia composition to high-definition televisions and home theater systems. The Iomega ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive is a 500GB drive with the storage capacity to hold up to 2 million photos, 9,250 hours of music, or 750 hours of video, enabling family and friends to share high-resolution photos, music, and video clips in the comfort of the living room, without a computer.
Press release after the jump
The portable ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive comes with a remote control for easy navigation and includes both HDMI and component video outputs for displaying high-resolution digital photos and video. The Iomega ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive USB 2.0/AV 500GB is now available in the Americas for $209.95.The Iomega ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive is expected to be available in universal markets in late May for €179.99.
SAN DIEGO, April 23, 2008 - Iomega Corporation (NYSE: IOM), a global leader in info protection and protection, today announced the new Iomega ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive, a portable external hard drive that leaves the PC behind, delivering multimedia subject matter to high-definition televisions and home theater systems.
The Iomega ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive is a 500GB* drive with the storage capacity to hold up to 2 million photos, 9,250 hours of music, or 750 hours of video**, enabling family and friends to share high-resolution photos, music, and video clips in the comfort of the living room, without a computer.
“Today’s mainstream home entertainment products are entering the high-definition era, which presents a huge opportunity for media devices in the living room like the Iomega ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive,” said Loren Bryner, ScreenPlay product manager, Iomega Corporation. “The ScreenPlay Drive is a great solution for Windows users - there’s no better way to leverage a big-screen LCD or plasma TV investment. The combination of ScreenPlay and today’s televisions give users a seamless way to show off family photos, play music, and enjoy their videos from the best seat in the house.”
The portable ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive comes with a remote control for easy navigation and includes both HDMI and component video outputs for displaying high-resolution digital photos and video.
“We took everything we learned from previous ScreenPlay products and created a better media-sharing tool that’s right on for today’s multi-media sharing experience,” continued Bryner. “The new ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive is an intuitive, easy-to-use solution that not only makes it easier to enjoy all kinds of digital composition but plus facilitates moving and playing subject matter from one display or location to another.”
Iomega ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive Technical Description
The ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive 500GB weighs 2 pounds and measures a diminutive 7.7″ x 2.3″ x 5″, or about the size of a paperback book.
Inside the ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive is a 500GB 3.5 inch 7200 RPM hard drive formatted with the NTFS file system. Video connection options include HDMI, component and composite video, and SCART (RGB). Audio connection options include composite RCA and coaxial S/PDIF outputs. PC transfers use the USB 2.0 interface. USB, composite video, and component video cables are included.
Using the HDMI or component outputs, the user can choose video settings from 480i/480p/720p/1080i (720p and1080i are achieved through upscaling). Supported media formats include MP3, AC3 (Dolby® Digital Encoding), WAV, WMA, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (AVI/VOB), MPEG-4 (AVI/DiVX 3.11, 4.x, 5.x/XViD) and JPEG.
System Requirements
The Iomega ® ScreenPlay™ HD Multimedia Drive is designed for use with the following PC operating systems: Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional, XP Home/XP Professional/XP Professional x64, Windows Vista™.
Availability
The Iomega ® ScreenPlay™ HD Multimedia Drive USB 2.0/AV 500GB is now available in the Americas for $209.95. (Price is U.S. suggested retail.) The Iomega ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive is expected to be available in worldly markets in late May for €179.99.
BTC IRF stylish Web Radio Receiver with Alarm Clock
The BTC IRF combines the features and versatility of Web Radio / MP3 Music Player-Recorder / Clock into all-in-one standalone design. No need to turn on your PC, you can listen to online music from thousands of worldwide Net radio stations with the built-in preset URL hyperlinks. With the integrated stereo speakers, you can listen to music and news anytime, and from anywhere in the world. BTC IRF comes with a convenient LCD front panel and remote control which provides you the convenience as you control comfortably from a distance while it is being charged. Plug in your USB device to the USB host port lets you record your preferred radio program and stores them as MP3 files for later playback. The IRF is plus equipped with a built-in alarm clock and you can plug-in your MP3 player and wake up to your favourite music or desired ring tones. Discover the new radio listening experience; enhance your digital lifestyle with the IRF.
The compact and with elegant black piano finishing surface, IRF seats gorgeously anywhere in your house, enhancing your radio listening experience, bringing a new digital dimension into your lifestyle.
Sony Ericsson Z780 and G502 new HSDPA phones
Sony Ericsson today introduced two new HSDPA phones into its line-up; each clearly designed to take its range of web-enabled phones in a different direction. The Sony Ericsson Z780 expands the company’s range of devices for markets outside of Europe and the compact G502 brings the capability of the web to a mainstream audience. The new Sony Ericsson G502 is the latest in an established line of classic Sony Ericsson phones that cram a wealth of time-saving features into an affordable, pocket-sized phone. The G502 is the first such model, however, to feature high-speed HSDPA capability. that means that more users can now benefit from faster browsing and downloading capabilities in a phone that has a feature-set that is impressive and incredibly easy to use – perfect for those who want to stay in control of their lives.
Press release after the jump
The Sony Ericsson Z780 is a UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Grand Onyx and Amethyst Silver in selected markets from Q2 2008. The Sony Ericsson G502 is a UMTS/HSDPA 2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Champagne Black and Brilliant Hazel in selected markets from Q2 2008.
London, UK – 23 April 2008. - Sony Ericsson today introduced two new HSDPA phones into its line-up; each clearly designed to take its range of web-enabled phones in a different direction. The Z780 expands the company’s range of devices for markets outside of Europe and the compact G502 brings the capability of the web to a mainstream audience.
“These two phones are quite distinct, yet both have the potential to introduce more users to the world of web on your mobile,” said Martin Winkler, director of global marketing and head of multimedia web at Sony Ericsson. “Being able to check your newsletter whenever you like or surf the web when on-the-move should not just be the preserve of professionals. The Z780 and the G502 will appeal to anyone juggling a busy life”.
The Z780, a sister product to the recently announced Z770, is set to broaden the range of web-enabled phones into more markets across the globe. It packs tri-band 3G and HSDPA into its stylish clamshell frame, letting you receive e mail or browse the web at high speed in countries across the world. It plus introduces built-in aGPS, giving users the opportunity to carry their navigation solution with them on their phone.
The new G502 is the latest in an established line of classic Sony Ericsson phones that cram a wealth of time-saving features into an affordable, pocket-sized phone.
The G502 is the first such model, however, to feature high-speed HSDPA capability. that means that more users can now benefit from faster browsing and downloading capabilities in a phone that has a feature-set that is impressive and incredibly easy to use – perfect for those who want to stay in control of their lives.
In touch, on the move
Both the Z780 and the G502 come with the latest version of Google™ Maps for Mobile. that application allows you to view high quality maps that give you a satellite view of the local area and view listings of the restaurants and hotels, complete with any reviews or ratings available. The built-in aGPS functionality of the Z780 means that wherever you are, you’ll always be able to find what you need – whether locating the address of your friend’s party or finding the quickest route to your next meeting. Google™ Maps for Mobile next enables you to receive turn-by-turn directions that help you to find your way without complication.
With the G502, you just enter start and finish locations, and receive point-by-point directions of how to get to your destination. Plugging the GPS Enabler HGE-100 accessory into the phone adds GPS capability here as well, making certain that you need never get lost again.
Easy mail, simple setup
Accessing your emails on the Z780 and the G502 couldn’t be more straightforward. An easy-to-follow ‘set-up wizard’ guides you through a series of very easy steps so that your existing webmail detail can be directed to your phone. Or whether it is push newsletter that you need, thereupon the G502 and Z780 plus support Exchange ActiveSync® for your protection and complete mobility.
What you want, when you want it
Accessing your favourite websites is now four times faster than with standard 3G (UMTS), thanks to the HSDPA speeds of the Z780 and the G502. whether you use one specific website more than others, you can choose an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed that will give you 1-click access directly to that page from your phone’s desktop. What’s more, the pre-loaded weather forecast application on both of these phones allows you to check the weather before you head out, so you’re certain to be prepared for any unexpected rainstorms.
The Z780 is a UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Grand Onyx and Amethyst Silver in selected markets from Q2 2008.
The G502 is a UMTS/HSDPA 2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Champagne Black and Brilliant Hazel in selected markets from Q2 2008
ASIMO Humanoid Robot to Conduct the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
ASIMO humanoid robot will focus attention on the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) nationally acclaimed music programs for young humans in Detroit by conducting the orchestra as it performs “Impossible Dream” to open a special concert performance with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma at 8 p.m, Tuesday, May 13. Honda hopes In addition, ASIMO will demonstrate its strange capabilities for hundreds of area school children at 10:45 a.m, May 14 prior to a specially arranged master class in Orchestra Hall, where a choose group of music students will receive personal music instruction from Yo-Yo Ma. ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is designed to help folks and will someday assist the elderly and disabled in their homes.
While Honda continues to develop and enhance ASIMO’s capabilities, ASIMO is being used today to energize and inspire young students to consider studies in math and science. The addition of music education to ASIMO’s repertoire is a natural extension of these efforts. As recently announced, Honda is providing the DSO with a gift of more than $1 million to create The potential of Dreams Music Education Fund.
Green House iPod touch portable speakers
The Green House iPod touch portable speakers GH-SPA-214CT is a perfect match for the Apple iPod touch.The maximum output is 770 mW × 2ch.The speaker comes with a stand where you can place the iPod touch Vertically or Horizontally. Other features include LED light for both speakers, mini stereo pin for connecting headphone. The Green House iPod touch portable speakers GH-SPA-214CT is powered by the built in battery, which is charged via USB. Fully charged battery lasts for eight hours.
The Green House iPod touch portable speakers GH-SPA-214CT measures 67 × 21 × 120mm and weighs approximately 66.6 g. The speakers are available in Japan for approximately 4,480 yen ($43).
Epson Toyocom launches High-Frequency HFF Crystal Oscillators for Telecommunications Networks
Epson Toyocom announced the commercial development of two new models of highly accurate, miniature, high-frequency fundamental mode (HFF) crystal oscillators for high-frequency applications in optical transmission devices, cellular base stations, WiMAX base stations and other core network equipment. The new HFF crystal oscillators, the VG-4511CA and the SG-771PCD series, will enter volume production in April 2008.
The new HFF crystal oscillators were made compact 7.0 x 5.0 x 1.6t mm by adopting a single-sealed structure instead of the conventional double-sealed structure. Meanwhile, ageing characteristics were improved by using wire bonding to bond the crystal chip and package.
