Sony to Release New Video-Capable Walkman

NEW YORK, August 30: Sony is looking to claim some 10 percent of the portable media player market, according to Reuters, with its new Walkman that is capable of playing videos.

The new Walkman models are due to hit the retail market next month as a direct competitor to the iPod. The new Walkman promises to play more music formats than its competitor. The models are expected to retail for between $120 and $230.

Nokia's sensuous new 3G device

The new Nokia 6555 features a smooth-back fold design and original analog timepiece


Nokia today announced a new 3G mobile phone that pairs original design and quality workmanship with outstanding features. The Nokia 6555 meets the desire for aesthetic appeal with an external analog clock echoing the timeless elegance of high-end luxury. The Nokia 6555 is the first WCDMA phone with a smooth-back fold design with recessed hinge creating a seamless line when open. The phone's gentle curve ensures a smooth and ergonomic user experience. The Nokia 6555 is an accessible option for discerning consumers. The Nokia 6555 will be available within the next month at an estimated retail price of approximately €200 before subsidies or taxes.

Adding to its attraction, the Nokia 6555 features a QVGA 16 million color internal display - twice as many colors as the human eye can see - for a brilliant, crisp resolution on a large 240x320 screen, making it perfect for viewing photos and videos. The camera featuring a 6x zoom gives even greater versatility and full screen portrait viewfinder so you can be sure you get the right picture every time. The self-portrait function on the camera and video sharing ability ensures that special moments are easily shared with family and friends.


"Mobile-savvy consumers expect superior quality and design. We understood that need, and so created the the Nokia 6555. The Nokia 6555 is a sophisticated accessory delivering the outstanding features that you expect from Nokia," said Markku Suomi, Product Group Director, Mobile Phones, Nokia.

From the thin, narrow form factor with smooth lines to the 30MB user memory (with capacity for microSD expandable memory) and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, the Nokia 6555 sets the standard in its class.

Key features:
- Original smooth-back design
- Elegant external analog timepiece display
- Brilliant 16 million color display
- Video sharing
- WCDMA and quadband GSM functionality

Bose SoundDock - Ear Candy

Apple’s iPod has become a cultural phenomenon akin to Sony’s Walkman, the market for iPod accessories has exploded—some of the biggest names in computer and home audio have responded with systems specifically made for the iPod (and, just as significantly, incompatible with other portable players). Bose has recently joined the fray with its $300 Sounddock speaker system, which uses the now-familiar dock connector base for iPod connectivity. Featuring a glossy white body and large, full-face metal grill, the SoundDock is a good aesthetic match for full-size iPods (and even silver iPod minis) with an attractive but simple appearance that won’t dominate your decor.

It would be tough to find a speaker system that’s easier to set up than the SoundDock. When you first open the SoundDock box, the interior box flaps provide clear illustrations of the three-step setup process:

1) Attach the dock slot adapter for your particular size iPod—five sizes, for any dockable iPod except the new iPod Photo, are included.
2) connect the power cable.
3) place your iPod in the dock slot and enjoy the music.


Your iPod is also charged while it’s in the SoundDock. The only other piece in the box is the included credit card-sized, wireless remote, which lets you play, pause, skip forward or back, adjust the system volume, and turn your iPod on or off.

The SoundDock does not include a dock slot adapter specifically for the iPod Photo; Bose’s official position is that the included adapter for the 30/40GB (3rd-generation) iPod should be used for iPod Photo compatibility. In my testing, this adapter works, but as the iPod Photo is slightly thicker than previous iPods, the fit is very tight — a bit too tight for my tastes, as I was concerned that I was bending the dock connector or scratching the iPod’s front by forcing it into the slot.

Like JBL’s On Stage system, the SoundDock is not designed to be a portable system, despite its all-in-one design. It requires AC power, and although it’s certainly smaller than a full-size system, at 11.9”W x 6.7”H x 6.5”D it’s sizable enough that carrying it from room to room is the extent of its practical transportability. It’s clearly intended for home or office use.

At $300, the SoundDock is more expensive than competing systems that offer a few more convenience features (such as auxiliary inputs and syncing ability). However, it’s currently the best sounding of the “one-piece” speaker systems I’ve tested and its uncluttered elegance and ease of use make it an appealing offering for those willing to plunk down the change. If you’re using the SoundDock in the types of environments for which it’s intended—on a desk, or in a bedroom, office, or kitchen—you’ll be rewarded with good sound in an eye-catching package.

WLAN Mediaplayer by Freecom

Freecom, has launched a Wireless Multimedia Player that connects directly to your TV or HiFi. Now you can enjoy the movies and music on your PC without actually using your PC, just tank them onto the Mediaplayers harddrive and voila - just use the remote to navigate and playback those multimedia files.

With the new Network MediaPlayer-WLAN, Freecom adds another dimension to the world of portable media playback devices. The player connects to your wireless access point, thereby opening a world of multimedia entertainment.

The player is also available as a “Drive in Kit”, without hard drive built-in. You can either assemble a hard drive yourself, or use the device without hard drive as a AV Wireless streaming device.

The new MediaPlayer WLAN is powered by the latest generation Sigma Design chipset, and supports playback of HD files*. It is firmware upgradeable, to ensure you always will have the latest updates and newest features.


Features:

• Connects directly to TV or Hifi
• Enjoy movies, music and photo ’s without the use of a PC!
• Can also be used as AV Streaming device from any PC within your network
• HD Video-File compatible • Supports multiple formats: MPEG1-4, DIVX, XVID, MP3, JPG...and many more
• Easy to use on screen-menu
• Fully remote controlled
• Firmware upgradeable
• Can also be used as standalone USB-2 hard drive
• High quality design
• 2 Years manufacturer ’s warranty and unlimited free help desk support

The Freecom Mediaplayer WLAN comes in 4 different models; 250 GB capasity priced at 299,00 EUR, 400 GB at 349,00 EUR, 500 GB at 399,00 EUR while the drive in kit will set you back 199,00 EUR.

Silver iMacs with Bigger Screens

Steve Jobs has revealed the latest round of iMacs featuring a slimmer design, a faster processor and glossy screens.

The computers have ditched the white facade, a longtime staple of the iMac over the years, for an aluminum casing reminiscent of Apple's professional desktops. The desktops will also come with slimmer keyboards that have more buttons.

The revamped iMac is priced lower than previous incarnations, as the 17-inch screen makes way for the more costly 20-inch, which starts at $1,199 with a 2.0 Ghz processor.

Apple will also offer a 20-inch 2.4 Ghz model and another model sporting a still-roomier 24-inch screen.