Grand Theft Auto IV Xbox 360

How many of you are stoaked about the Grand Theft Auto IV release next month. While I’m sure that there are plenty of you that just don’t get into the GTA games, this is easily one of the most-anticipated titles of the year. In celebration, Microsoft has cooked up a special limited edition Grand Theft Auto IV Xbox 360.

On the inside these systems are Xbox 360 Elites, however, for once it isn’t what’s on the inside that counts. If you manage to get your hands on one of these awesome consoles you’ll be treated to custom GTA box art on the sides, along with a cool looking faceplate. It also comes with a slew of accessories such as a wireless controller with keyboard, headset, remote and more. My favorite part is that all of the accessories are housed in a cool briefcase.


So how do you get your hands one one of these sweet 360’s? We’re not exactly sure. It’s a limited run of 500, so you can bet it won’t be easy to acquire one. We’ll let you know if we get more info on it. [complex]

Cybernet ZPC computer

These things aren’t exactly new hack, but last time I read about them they had mediocre hardware inside. Now they are pushing quad-core processors, X3100 graphics, 4GB of RAM, and slim-line optical drives.

They can even be expanded via the Mini PCI and PCI-e slots. There is a card reader on the front of the keyboard, a touch-pad built in, and obviously there is a keyboard. There are, of course, lower end configurations with less RAM, a Core 2 Duo instead of a Core 2 Quad.

Those lower end combos start at $629 and give you everything except for Speakers and a Monitor. The cheapest Core 2 Quad system is $924, not counting warranty or software options, the hardware only maxes out at $1666 and that’s with no OS. [gizmonews]

Onda VX767 4.3-inch PMP

his player has a 4.3-inch, 16:9, 480×272 resolution screen on it. It has a 400MHz processor, and some pretty amazing other features.

File support is pretty broad with the following formats supported: RM, RVB, FLV, AVI, MOV, ASF, MP4, WMV, 3GP, MPG, MP3, WMA, APE, and FLAC. There is a TV out port and you can stuff up to a 32GB microSD card inside the little bugger.

There will be games, LRC lyrics support, picture browsing, text reader, voice recording, FM Radio, and a battery life of 40 hours for music or 10 hours for video. On thing this player has going for it that the Touch does not is Flash support. Overall its not a bad device, other than the fact that you have to buy your own storage space for the device, sadly there is no word on price or availability, but I wouldn’t expect it to hit stateside any time soon. [imp3]

Flash for ipod Touch

Well, they may not have quite said it like that, but, they did say that they’ve taken a look at the iPhone SDK and they believe that they can use just the SDK to get Flash on the iPhone. Sure they’d much rather work directly with Apple on this matter and make sure Flash gets fully integrated, but they’ve more or less said that one way or the other, Flash will be built for the iPhone.

Now, since Steve and his fiends control the pearly gates of entrance into the iPhone Developer Program, and the distribution of Apps, if Apple is dead set on Flash not reaching the iPhone, then it may still not make it to the iPhone. Just because Adobe comes up with a version of Flash for the iPhone doesn’t mean it will be added to the iPhone App Store.

I hope that Apple at the very least allows them to peddle their wares in the App Store, optimally Apple will cave and finally start working with Adobe, and it will be a great partnership, but maybe not. However with all the other apps that will be coming out for the iPhone one might wonder if anyone will care about Flash support for the iPhone. I think part of the thing with Apple not wanting Flash on the iPhone is the sheer amount of data that is transferred by Flash applications, I mean on WiFi networks that’s fine, but over EDGE it would either be too slow to be enjoyable or would majorly irk ATT.[apple-touch] [macrumors]

Helio+Opera

Thanks to the community surrounding Helio and their Ocean smartphone the push for the Opera Mini browser has made it official. This is great news for lots of people, Ocean owners, Helio, and Opera.

Why is this good news for Opera? Well it’s the first mobile device to officially support the Opera browser, and it’s a hell of a device to test it out on. You get the usual bookmark synchronization, Speed Dial for frequented sites, and a Personal Bar, as well as support for Java.

Now, it is currently only available for the Ocean, however, word from our friends at Helio is that this is just the start of a long relationship so future devices, and likely more of their current devices, are more and more likely to be receiving Opera Mini updates soon. Our friends at Helio weren’t kind enough to hook us up with any details of a possible new handset any time soon or anything like that, but I’m patient, so I can wait for now. [phonemag]

UCCTOP XENO

You don’t need a van to transport this video editing software, just a large laptop case. That’s what it is, is a laptop on a whole lot of video editing crack.

We don’t have a lot of specs, but it has 4 channels of video input, 6 channels of audio input, 6-channel audio mixing and selected video switching. There is real-time insertion of subtitles and/or company logo during a live broadcast and you can convert video files to WMV for internet broadcasting.

You can control external devices such as the pan, tilt, and zoom of a camera or the controls for video or DVD players. VOD files are automatically stored in the media server and registered on a VOD list, there is Movie Maker software that will allow you to edit filmed videos with switching effects, images, and sounds and you can do real-time file transmission in an encoded format for live broadcasting.

The hardware on this thing must be amazing, and god knows how much hard drive storage there is. I bet the battery life is abysmal though, I don’t know where you can get one or how much they cost, but they look nice, and they are apparently made in Korea. [akihabaranews]

USB WPM Speedometer

If you type a lot during the day, and you like using metrics to track your own personal progress so you can better yourself, this thing might come in handy. Not only does it track the number of words per minute you type (up to 260), but it also tracks your daily word count as a total.

Personally, I think it would be interesting to see how fast I type now compared to when I was in keyboarding class. Furthermore, I am really curious how many words I type each day, I assure you its got to be in the quadruple digits.

There is a second gauge which has an unknown purpose and then the third circle looks to be occupied by a fan or something of that nature. In case you didn’t know, the highest recorded WPM is 212 on a Dvorak keyboard, so you are going to need some practice if you have ambitions of hitting that 260 mark. You only need do three things to use this WPM-ometer, the first is to pay the $39 it costs, the second, connect it via USB to your computer, and the last part is install the included software so it can track everything for you. [technabob]

Everex gPC mini

It has a 1.86GHz Intel dual core mobile processor (its model number is T2130 which signifies a new Core 2 Duo chip, but it could be the older Pentium D chips). It also has a half gig of RAM, 120GB HDD, a DVD Burner, gigabit Ethernet and more.

There is a DVI out port, S-Video (so you could turn your TV into a computer), USB and a 4-in-1 card reader. It measures in at 42×226x172 millimeters and will cost you a mere $499.

Its supposedly going to be landing on NewEgg on March 1st for those that want a Linux PC that they can stuff behind their TV. Personally, I’d rather have the Mac Mini, some of which have gone on sale as refurbished units for less than the cost of this gPC Mini. [14u]

LG unveils 10,000:1 monitor

crunchgear

Mylo Widgets

Sony has finally created a site where they’ll be releasing widgets for the Mylo personal communicator. They started with 5 on the site for now, and they’ll be adding more, but the exciting part is that if you are feeling generous you can create your own and post them on the site too.

Its more like a community effort, Sony will only release a few every so often to keep things going, but they are really depending on the community of Mylo COM-2 users to really get the ball rolling. Right now they have a world clock, calculator, calendar, and a couple others up, more as they come in from users like you.

Sadly though, they are only available for COM-2 owners, they won’t work on the COM-1. So, go get you some widgets, or start developing, click the via link to get to the Mylo Labs. [sony]

New Walkman MP3 players From Sony

They have Bluetooth, noise cancellation, a healthy-sized screen, and a 33 hour battery life at the bottom, 36 at the top. For video you get the 320×240 LCD display that can play video at up to 30 frames per second for up to 10 hours, or at the least 9.5 hours.

They have FM tuners built in and varying size screens from 1.8” all the way up to 2.4-inches. As I mentioned, some of the players have Bluetooth built in which can be used to connect to a Bluetooth stereo, headset, you name it as long as it works with the A2DP profile.

They work with all the common media formats including MP3, WMA, AAC, PCM, JPEG, AVC, and MPEG-4. the pricing ranges greatly with the bottom of the line missing some of these nicer features and only having 4GB of storage for $150, all the way up to a 16GB model with everything running $320, there are a total of 7 new players in all and they all look amazing. [sony]

Lego mp3

You can now replace your boring normal iPod with this Lego Brick MP3 player from Homade.

It’s not an official Lego product, but you’ll be hard pushed to tell the difference between this and a standard Lego brick.

Look closely and you’ll notice that all the bumps have a function for example play, rewind, pause etc.

And each player also has a rechargeable battery, but you’ll have to provide your own storage, which is via microSD card.

If you want one, they retail for $46. [homeloo]

Creative with four new webcams

Creative has released a total of 4 new Webcams all of which are Plug n Play capable, have integrated microphones, and as far as webcams go, look pretty attractive. The most interesting is the Creative Live! Cam Notebook Ultra which claims the ability to take up to 5MP still images.

It can do video at up to 1.3MP resolutions, it also has an 80 degree wide-angle lens. For some of the included software features it has facial tracking built in.

It has a PowerGrip for clipping to the lid of your notebook and it has a 240 degree swivel motion. With the package you also get a free stereo headset for chatting in Skype, MSN, Yahoo, Windows Live, or just about any other messaging service. It’s a fairly amazing webcam, especially for a notebook, and if you want one, you’ll pay for it at around $120 to buy one. [creative]

Sumo’s laptop bag

If you’re worried about your laptop sleeve not keeping your precious laptop protected, you might need a slightly more tough laptop sleeve. Well why not have one that is from a line called Sumo? I’m not really sure what a Sumo wrestler has to do with my laptop, but hey, it seems like a sturdy case.

The line offers several different colors, one of which being pink, although I’ve never seen a Sumo wrestler associated with anything pink. The sleeves are padded corduroy and feature a quilted design.

The front has a Velcro closure and a padded liner. The sleeves can fit either a 12”, 13”, 15” or 17” laptop and come in black, green, red, orange and pink. The colors do vary some depending on which size you pick.techdigest

Transcend StoreJet 25

The new Transcend StoreJet 25 mobile external drive is not any different than nowadays convenient mobile grade storage. It’s bus-powered, USB 2.0 compatible, intelligent back-up sofware with one touch of a button - all packed in compact storage measured at 0.45 pound, 134mm by 80.8mm by 18.8mm mobile case.

What Transcend has improved with the StoreJet 25 is the use of extra-rugged silicone case that claimed to comply with US military drop-test standards. The shockproof external case has an advance two-stage anti-shock technology to keep you data safe from physical abuse. The StoreJet 25 is compatible with Windows 2000/xp/Vista, Mac OS 0.9 and late, and Lunix Kernael 2.4.2 or later. Storage capacity is available in 160Gb and 250GB model at $135 and 196 each. [digitimes]

Waveboat

‘They say money doesn’t buy happiness. That phrase should end with “just kidding”.’ For those of you who recognize that quote, you have an idea where this is going, but lets start with the $8000 price tag for this Jet Ski accessory.

Sure, you’ll never have to choose between a boat and a Waverunner again as the latter can now become the former, I am sure that makes some of you really happy. However, if you have a jet ski other than the Yamaha Waverunner, you are currently SOL unless you hack one of these up to make it fit, but there are talks of this boat attachment being made for other models if it catches on.

What are the upsides of using a jet ski as a boat you might ask, first, you can bring more of your friends/drinking buddies with you, second you can use it for angling (fishing for those not in the know), and third, it looks badass. Lastly, I bet the steering is impeccable, just don’t forget you need to hit the gas to turn too “we’re sorry your uncle hit the pier”.

Microsoft's Skydrive

Microsoft launched the final gold version of its Windows Live SkyDrive consumer storage service on February 21.

Windows Live SkyDrive — which has been known by a variety of names, including LiveDrive and Windows Live Folders (but not FolderShare, which is something else entirely) — is a Microsoft-hosted storage service where users can save files, photos and other information.

The latest version of the service, announced today, now offers 5 GB of free storage and is available in 38 countries.

Google has been touting (quietly) its Shared Storage program (a k a GDrive) as the alternative to SkyDrive. Google was offering 6 GB of storage for $20 a year back in August 2007; not sure if Google has changed its plan since then. [computerworld] [skydrive team]

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Announced

If you ever wondered why there are barely any Aerosmith tracks in the last few Guitar Hero games, it’s because Activision has huge plans for the band. They’ve announced that their next Guitar Hero series is going to star the hit rock band headed by the extremely large mouthed Steven Tyler, and will be called Guitar Hero: Aerosmith!

Here’s what Steven Tyler had to say:
"Any band that can go from 'Don't Want to Miss A Thing' (Aerosmith's #1 smash hit) the ass-kicking 'Sweet Emotion' to the cheekiness of 'Love in an Elevator,' to the classic ballad 'Dream On' shows why Activision chose us to headline this game based on the diversity of the Aerosmith catalog. Not only is songwriting a b*tch, but then it goes and has puppies."

“Not only is songwriting a b*tch, but then it goes and has puppies...”? WTF? I guess we can forgive Steven Tyler for that lame attempt at humor, since he's given us so many great tracks. Expect the game sometime in June 2008.

If you think about it, there have been barely any Metallica songs in the GH games too. I hope and pray this means there's a Guitar Hero: Metallica in the pipeline too; now that would seriously own!

The TV Easel

The numbers of TV’s in the normal family home is sometimes greater than the actual number of people who live there. With ever changing décor styles it can be inconvenient to hang them on the wall or choose furniture which will go with your décor. The TV Easel is an easier way to give you more options.

As part of the Greenhouse Young Designers showcase which as held last week at the Stockholm Furniture Fair, this design by Alex Bjurström from Sweden, the TV Easel was unveiled. The TV Easel is on a rolling base which makes it easy to put in position and can accommodate a TV between 32 to 47 “.

The concept at the moment is for Panasonic, but I think that this design will take off very well. [inventorspot]

Pirate Bed

Every child loves playing Pirates, so why not theme their bedroom - it may even get them to bed earlier! This gorgeous Pirate Bed is a dead ringer for The Black Pearl from Pirates of The Caribbean.

The bed not only looks great, but can hide away all your child’s mess in the storage box at the bottom of the bed.
The designers of this bed have gone all-out to ensure they create a detailed, authentic pirate bed and they’ve succeeded! With a treasure chest and treasure map thrown in for good measure, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s worth every penny of it’s $3,000 asking price! [loftusdesigns]