Planet Gadgets Gadget Blog

Apple Lowering Notebook Pricing

Apple Inc has announced that they’ve lowered the price of their entry-level notebooks to $999. They also lowered the price on several mid-range models as they begin to target budget conscious shoppers with lower priced notebook computers.

But shares of Apple, which have risen about 20 percent since the company last week invited reporters to a notebook event, fell 3 percent in heavy trade on the Nasdaq to $106.99 after first falling as much as 5 percent. Many analysts had expected the entry-level notebook price to fall to $899.

Apple executive Steve Jobs refused to comment on his health during the conference call.

Posted in Notebooks | 28 Comments »

V Cast To Air Final Presidential Debate

V Cast will be airing the final presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. Users can watch live beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET on CBS News through V CAST Video, as well as through NBC 2Go, MSNBC, CNBC, CBS and FNC on V CAST Mobile TV. In addition, Verizon Wireless customers can access full election coverage on Nov. 4 through NBC News and CBS News.

Customers can check out V CAST Video whenever they want for just $3.00 for 24-hour use or by signing up for the $15.00 V CAST VPak monthly subscription, which also includes access to Verizon Wireless’ ESPN MVP, Get It Now(R) and Mobile Web services. Customers get unlimited basic video but
application download fees may apply for 3D games and premium video. There are no airtime or megabyte charges to download, stream or watch V CAST content with any V CAST subscription.

This is the first type of broadcast for V Cast.

Posted in Technology | No Comments »

Nintendo To Launch Camera, Music-capable DS

Nintendo is readying to offer a new version of its’ handheld DS gaming machine, with a bunch of new features.

The move would pit the top-selling portable game gear with Apple Inc iPod and camera-embedded cellphones in general.

The price for the new machine, which will also be equipped with advanced wireless communications functions, is expected to be below 20,000 yen ($189) in Japan, compared with 16,800 yen for the current model, the Nikkei said.

The Wii game console and DS have been Nintendo’s twin growth engines, helping its share price to grow more than three-fold over the past three years.

The move is designed to increase sales of the DS.

Posted in Nintendo | No Comments »

Microsoft Zune To Allow WiFi Downloads And Streaming

Microsoft says it’s making updates to its’ Zune player that should extend the functionality to allow WiFi downloads and streaming.

The software and firmware updates will build on the Zune’s current wireless functionality by letting users with Wi-Fi access buy songs they hear over the Zune’s built-in FM radio that are available through the Zune Marketplace online music store.

And when users are in a Wi-Fi hotspot they will also be able to wirelessly log on to the Zune Marketplace and get music recommendations or use an on-screen keypad to type in song names, the company said. Then, chosen tunes will be able to be downloaded to the Zune.

Zune will also be available in new, more powerful hardware configuration units.

Posted in Microsoft | No Comments »

Plextor PX-MPM320U Media Drive

The Plextor PX-MPM320U media drive is the gadget of the week.

WHAT IS IT?A portable 320GB hard drive with the ability to copy and play back movies, photos and music over all manner of hardware. To that end, it comes not only with the expected PC USB connectivity, but also with audiovisual outputs and a Scart adaptor, making it compatible with standard televisions and hi-fi sets. Waiting on the disk is software able to handle just about any audio or video format imaginable, and capable of upscaling the latter to 720p HD if you choose. The software is accessed via dedicated playback keys or the supplied remote control. Particularly noteworthy is the unit’s ability to cope with DVDs, though only as long as they’re copyright-free. Transfer a film to the Plextor using your computer, and the drive will store not just the video, but all the associated extras, such as menus and chapters - previously only possible if you manually converted each audio or video format.

If you’ve got the money, the Plextor PX-MPM320U Media Drive might just get the job done for you.

Posted in Hard Drives | No Comments »

Motorized Monocycle

Are you looking for a trendy way to get around town that’s sure to turn heads and save you money on fuel?

The Motorized Monocycle was designed in the Netherlands and has a max speed of 25 MPH for a single rider. It’s powered by a 31cc, four-stroke 1 1/2-hp engine and the wheel operates by using a centrifugal clutch on its inner steel frame to engage the larger 67″ diam. The outer flywheel actually makes contact with the ground with a rubber tire. Steering is done by leaning the direction you want to go.

The Motorized Monocycle is priced at around $13,000.00 (not including shipping) and can be purchased at Hammacher.

Posted in Transportation | No Comments »

Mobile Games Innovation Challenge

Nokia today announced the Mobile Games Innovation Challenge. This challenge is aimed directly at game developers, and is intended to spur them on to greater achievements. Nokia is hoping that such development will move mobile gaming into the mainstream. At stake for developers is EUR 70,000 of prizes.

“Nokia enthusiastically presents this Mobile Games Innovation Challenge as a unique opportunity for the best and brightest mobile game developers worldwide to really rock the industry with innovative, one-of-a-kind concepts that showcase what you can do with our mobile platforms,” said Dr
Mark Ollila, director of games publishing, Nokia. “The pre-production contracts and EUR70,000 in cash prizes toward development of the winning game concepts is only part of the excitement - the Challenge also gives developers a chance to truly make their mark on global mobile gaming
through unique and positively disruptive gaming concepts never seen before.”

There is a special fate in store for the top three entires. Nokia will attempt to publish and distribut their games on Nokia phones.

For more information, or to enter: N-Gage Developer.

Posted in Video Games | No Comments »

Motorola RDX Series Two Way Business Radios

Motorola has announced the new RDX Series two-way business radios.

“The Motorola RDX Series was designed specifically to meet the rigorous demands of business users for whom two-way radios are a critical tool for day- to-day efficiency and overall profitability,” said Steve Young, director of subscriber operations, Motorola Government and Commercial Markets. “Affordable and easy to use, the new radios enable employees to maintain communications in workplace environments, keeping operations on schedule, maximizing job shift productivity.”

“The RDX Series builds upon the strengths of the Motorola XTN and AX models and delivers the performance customers need to drive their business success, starting with exceptional audio performance down to the durability and dependability our customers expect,” added Young.

These bad boys are designed for industrial use, and are made out of heavy duty components. For more information: Motorola RDX.

Posted in Gadgets | No Comments »

Cellfire Wins E-Tech Award For Innovation

Cellfire Inc wins an award for their Cellfire 3.0 mobile solution. The Cellfire 3.0 software is a couponing solution for mobile phones.

“We are honored to have the innovation and hard work of our engineering and product teams recognized by the CTIA,” said Brent Dusing, CEO of Cellfire. “Cellfire 3.0 represents an important milestone for us as a
company but, more importantly, represents an opportunity for consumers to have even more ways to save money on their everyday purchases using their mobile phone.”

Cellfire 3.0 is an entire system that allows consumers to store, find, and manage coupon offers on their cell phones.

Posted in Technology | No Comments »

XBox Cheaters To Be Spanked

Cheating has always been a big part of video games. XBox players have been getting away with quite a bit lately, but a new plan may thwart many of them.

Better watch out, says Xbox Live’s Major Nelson, the well-known public face of Microsoft when it comes to all things Xbox. Starting today, Xbox is punishing Gamerscore cheaters with some pretty heavy penalties. If you’ve used a cheat on your account, better check it out to see if you’ve been affected. How will you know?

Well, your Gamerscore will be reset to zero. You won’t be able to regain any Achievement you previously unlocked (legitimately or otherwise), though you will be able to gain new Achievements. And your account will be permanently labeled as a cheater account (see blurry pic above for an example). At least you still get to keep your account.

It looks like cheating will become just a little bit more difficult on XBox.

Posted in Video Games | No Comments »