Category Archives: Gadgets & Electronics

RIM unveil BlackBerry PlayBook {Gadgets}

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BlackBerry makers RIM have unveiled their latest toy ‘The BlackBerry PlayBook’ and are pointing it squarely at the “let’s pretend it’s work but shh it’s actually fun” generation.

The professional-grade tablet boasts unmatched power and web performance. Perfect for either large organizations or an “army of one”, the BlackBerry PlayBook is designed to give users what they want, including uncompromised web browsing, true multitasking and high performance multimedia, while also providing advanced security features, out-of-the-box enterprise support and a breakthrough development platform for IT departments and developers.

“RIM set out to engineer the best professional-grade tablet in the industry with cutting-edge hardware features and one of the world’s most robust and flexible operating systems,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. “The BlackBerry PlayBook solidly hits the mark with industry leading power, true multitasking, uncompromised web browsing and high performance multimedia.”

Measuring less than half an inch thick and weighing less than a pound, the BlackBerry PlayBook, with its 7″ high resolution display is ultra portable. One of it’s main selling points is multi-tasking. Its performance is jointly fueled by a 1 GHz dual-core processor and the new BlackBerry Tablet OS which supports true symmetric multiprocessing.

Another of PlayBook’s big selling points is its “Uncompromised Web Browsing” with support for Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1, Adobe® Mobile AIR® and HTML-5, the BlackBerry PlayBook provides users with an uncompromised, high-fidelity web experience and offers them the ability to enjoy all of the sites, games and media on the web. For more than a decade, the mobile industry has worked to bridge the gap between the “real web” and mobile devices through various apps and technologies and, in fact, a significant number of mobile apps today still simply serve as a proxy for web content that already exists on the web. RIM are also encouraging developers and content publishers to work with them to develop applications and content.

The BlackBerry PlayBook features dual HD cameras for video capture and video conferencing that can both record HD video at the same time…possibly to capture the scene you’re looking at and the look of amazement on your face at the same time…and an HDMI-out port for presenting creations on external displays. The BlackBerry PlayBook also offers rich stereo sound.

For those BlackBerry PlayBook users who carry a BlackBerry smartphone, it will also be possible to pair the tablet and smartphone using Bluetooth. This means they can opt to use the larger tablet display to seamlessly and securely view any of the email, BBM™, calendar, tasks, documents and other content that resides on (or is accessible through) their smartphone. They can also use their tablet and smartphone interchangeably without worrying about syncing or duplicating data.

The BlackBerry Tablet OS is built upon the yummiest sounding operating system – the QNX® Neutrino® microkernel architecture. It’s been used in everything from planes, trains and automobiles to medical equipment and the largest core routers that run the Internet.

The Specifications and Key features of the BlackBerry PlayBook include:

  • 7″ LCD, 1024 x 600, WSVGA, capacitive touch screen with full multi-touch and gesture support
  • BlackBerry Tablet OS with support for symmetric multiprocessing
  • 1 GHz dual-core processor
  • 1 GB RAM
  • Dual HD cameras (3 MP front facing, 5 MP rear facing), supports 1080p HD video recording
  • Video playback: 1080p HD Video, H.264, MPEG, DivX, WMV
  • Audio playback: MP3, AAC, WMA
  • HDMI video output
  • Wi-Fi – 802.11 a/b/g/n
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • Connectors: microHDMI, microUSB, charging contacts
  • Open, flexible application platform with support for WebKit/HTML-5, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile AIR, Adobe Reader, POSIX, OpenGL, Java
  • Ultra thin and portable:
    • Measures 5.1″x7.6″x0.4″ (130mm x 193mm x 10mm)
    • Weighs less than a pound (approximately 0.9 lb or 400g)
  • Additional features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook will be shared on or before the date this product is launched in retail outlets.
  • RIM intends to also offer 3G and 4G models in the future.

It’s due to reach the UK for Apr 2011 [BlackBerry PlayBook]

Google Scribe wrote this for me {Technology}

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Google labs have been busy building their new toys so that us lot can spend more time doing fun stuff. Their latest offering is Google Scribe. Scribe automatically completes text so that you don’t have to. Sort of like the text prediction feature on mobile phones.
This entire article has been written entirely using Google Scribe which ironically enough, never suggests itself.

This probably reflects why the article has no structure and feels slightly out of character. Great fun tool if you’re stuck for words or if there’s something on the tip of your tongue. It does’t know as much slang or grammar as our writers yet so I won’t be replacing them anytime soon.

If you have a go then let us know what random sentences you get in the comments section.

[Google Scribe]

Dress your iPad – Best iPad Cases {Gadgets}

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So you bought an iPad…then the shop assistant tried to upsell to you a boring ‘executive’ case that’s so uninspiring the only thing you could think of to say was “errrm”.

Well we’ve scoured the internet to find the best-est (-sic) cases around at the moment so that you can dress your new friend.

LaCie Vegetal Sleeve, £34.99

For the eco-friendly iPad owner, LaCie’s Vegetal Sleeve is made from plant materials sourced from Europe. They feature a soya–based memory foam cushion to protect your gadget from everyday bumps, a linen exterior, and bamboo jersey lining. Comes in different sizes for laptops.

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Byrd & Belle iPad Sleeve, $48

Chic 100% Felted Wool sleeve with a simple leather fastening. This high quality felt is a sustainable and renewable material and offers strength while remaining soft to the touch.

Simple, low fuss and ooh it also comes in ‘graphite’.

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M-Edge Trip Jacket, $49.99

Pretend your iPad is a Moleskine sketchbook if you like. The Trip opens like a book and fastens with elastic. Made from canvas with a leather trim and comes in a variety of colours.

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Pro-Tec Bamboo iPad Case, £24.95

Covers the back and edges of the case so you’re still going to need to find a way to protect the screen if you’re going out and about. If you’re using it only in the comfort of your own home then this slick eco case is ideal.

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Cool Bananas Envelope Case, £24.95

It’s in the shape of an envelope! OK, it’s not fooling anyone but at least it looks good. White leather with a soft velour lining and magnetic clasp.

Prefer it in a different colour? they’ve got it in black leather as well.

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If these don’t tickle your fancy then there are bucket loads of amazing cases on Etsy.com. Here’s just a few that will sell out really quickly…

Great Wave off Kanawaga Sleeve, £46.28

Print onto leather, lined with wool blend felt from Tinderbloom

FARRAGO Leather iPad Case with Strap, £55.54

Don’t be put off by the berry pink, it also comes in manly and neutral colours. No magnetic fastenings so you don’t need to worry about your screen going funny.

Thin Leather Case, £29.99

Really testing the definition of handmade, this one is so unique it comes in ‘Blown’.

New HD video DSLR – Nikon D3100 {Electronics}

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Nikon have announced a new entry level DLSR with HD video recording capability. The camera features a guide mode that helps users capture images just as they intended.

D3100 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

D3100 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Ok, so DLSR cameras have been able to record video for a while now and are more and more often being used on professional indie productions. The Nikon D3100 has something up its sleeve. The AF-F mode allows autofocusing during while recording video without the need to keep refocusing manually. Capturing images at 14 megapixels and video at 1,920 x 1,080; 24fps and 1,280 x 720; 30fps, it also has a built in microphone.

For the moment there are more specs on the Nikon D3100 here but no word on a price or release for the UK market.

Blackberry Torch and OS 6 {Gadgets}

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Possibly one of the most humourous things in life is watching a friend repeatedly jab an ordinary phone screen with a perplexed look on their face. This simple joy has now been stolen from me as Blackberry have announced their first phone which has both a touchscreen and a keyboard.

Blackberry Torch

Named the BlackBerry Torch, it will come with Blackberry 6 Operating System which was previewed earlier this year. Add to that a 5mp camera, web-kit browser and a track pad incase you can’t get used to the idea not having one (like a vesigial organ of mobile phone evolution).

Blackberry have also announced that Blackberry 6 OS will be will be available in the months ahead (depending  on carrier) on some of their range, including the Pearl 3G 9100, Bold 9650 and Bold 9700.

Thinner Lighter Cheaper Kindle {Electronics}

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The next generation Kindle is available to pre-order on Amazon.co.uk. Oooh look at it, it’s thinner, lighter, cheaper, less glaring and generally better than the last one. And it comes in one non-patronising colour…graphite. I love the photo’s they’ve taken of it, posing with a pencil, some fruit and a woman.

There’s two versions available, the £109 version with wi-fi connectivity or the £149 version. with free 3G wireless.

Here are the stats:

  • All-New, High-Contrast E-Ink Screen
  • Read in Bright Sunlight – No glare
  • New and Improved Fonts – New crisper, darker fonts
  • New Sleek Design – 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6″ size reading area
  • 17% Lighter – Only 241 grams, weighs less than a paperback
  • Battery Life of One Month – A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off
  • Double the Storage – Up to 3,500 books
  • Built-In Wi-Fi – Connect at home or on the road
  • Books in 60 Seconds – Download books anytime, anywhere
  • 20% Faster Page Turns – Seamless reading
  • Enhanced PDF Reader – With dictionary lookup, notes, and highlights
  • New WebKit-Based Browser – Browse the web over Wi-Fi (experimental)

The 3G version also has:

  • Free 3G Wireless – No monthly payments, no annual contracts

The e-book readers are available for pre-order for release on the 27th August. Pre-order a wi-fi Kindle (£109) or 3G Kindle (£149) for my your early Christmas present.

Blackbox C18 Hits UK and Cancels Noise {Tech}

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London – Blackbox, announced its arrival in the UK with the launch of its Blackbox C18 earphones, the first available product from its range. Designed for commuters, travellers, music and fitness fans, and retailing at £69.99 (RRP), the C18 also provides over 50-hours of battery life, with airline adapters, luxury carry pouch and lanyard. Also available from the range is the ipod and iphone specific i10

Active Noise Rejection (ANR) technology, provided by Phitek Systems, a global leader in electro-acoustic technologies and active noise-cancellation, is a unique patented technology that virtually eliminates disturbing background noise. It works by intelligently measuring the noise field in the ear, before calculating and reintroducing an ‘anti-noise’ response, resulting in near silence by continuously adapting to the prevailing noise conditions.

Prior to its launch in the UK, the Blackbox brand has seen great success in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

One of my favourite games to play with noise-cancelling earphones is to put them in your ears, don’t hit the play button on your mp3 player, get a packet of crisps, put a crisp in your mouth and CCcrrrrUUnch!! Try it, it’s great fun.

The Blackbox C18 earphones are available to order now from Amazon.com and Play.com