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Archive for July 2, 2008

Playstation Bluetooth Headset

Playstation Bluetooth Headset
If you doubted that Sony was going to bank of the playstation brand, think again: here comes the PlayStation Bluetooth Headset that should be lighter and the typical wired “gaming headset”. Now you can feel like a spec-ops operative when playing SOCOM Confrontation, the game that this headset will be bundled with. I do like the charging base, but don’t take the specs-op thing too seriously, and by the way, who tried to use something like a Jawbone on the PS3? The price of this device is unknown at this time… What’s next? a Playstation phone? Tags: CD, gadgetry, mobile phone, cool gear (Read the full post about ‘Playstation Bluetooth Headset’…)

Microsoft confirms purchase of Powerset for $100 million

Yesterday we reported that Microsoft could be acquiring Powerset in the coming months. Well, just a day later and Microsoft has officially confirmed the acquisition of Powerset.

According to Microsoft, it bought Powerset because it was impressed with the people there, but also because they share a vision to take search to the next level by understanding the intent and meaning behind people’s search terms. By joining forces with Powerset, Microsoft hopes to improve its understanding of users’ intent behind their searches and provide an improved user experience, instead of just running a straight query on the keywords used and forcing users to click through numerous results to find what they want.

Powerset is also excited about the acquisition.

(Read the full post about ‘Microsoft confirms purchase of Powerset for $100 million’…)

Drobo Opens Up with its SDK, BitTorrent Client and Streaming Media Applications to Follow?

Drobo Opens Up with its SDK, BitTorrent Client and Streaming Media Applications to Follow?
Our favorite storage appliance named Drobo now comes with an SDK that will let third parties develop applications that might include BitTorrent Clients, FTP clients, Media Center streaming apps and so on… now we don’t know fore sure what will come out of this, but what we do know is that it is now *possible*. If you don’t know what Drobo is: it’s a storage box that can receive up to four heterogeneous hard drives. It will use some space to replicate the data (in case a drive dies). Users can replace drives at any time and Drobo will reconfigure itself to take advantage of the new space. It packs a lot of smartness and is basically a mini Linux computer. (Read the full post about ‘Drobo Opens Up with its SDK, BitTorrent Client and Streaming Media Applications to Follow?’…)

Sprint branded HTC Touch Diamond in-the-wild

Sprint branded HTC Touch Diamond in-the-wild
It looks like the first in-the-wild image of a Sprint branded HTC Touch Diamond has surfaced, but in keeping with the unofficial rule regarding these images, this one is just as blurry. Well actually I think it is even worse than the normal, but nonetheless it does fit in with the rumor that it is headed to Sprint, so we can only assume that this was not a Photoshop job. The image comes courtesy of user ksemt7781 from PPCGeeks and was appropriately snapped with another Sprint handset, the Mogul. The Sprint logo is pretty clear, however so is the reflection of the person who took the picture. (Read the full post about ‘Sprint branded HTC Touch Diamond in-the-wild’…)

Bracketron Nav-Mat GPS Dash Mount

Bracketron Nav-Mat GPS Dash Mount
The Bracketron Nav-Mat GPS dash mount is a good alternative for those who are looking for a GPS mount to replace their suction cup mounts as the latter is prohibited in some areas. It is easy to install as it requires no tools for installation (no drilling involved!) but instead, has a non-slip base made out of a bean bag for stability as it moulds to the surface of the dashboard and a non-slip base to keep it from sliding off making it hassle free for consumers who do not want to go through the trouble of finding ways to install their suction cup GPS mounts because of a non-stick surface on the dashboard or not having a convenient location of securing it. (Read the full post about ‘Bracketron Nav-Mat GPS Dash Mount’…)

Advertorial: Did you know that on July 1, Yahoo domain renewal pricing increased to $34.95 per year

Advertorial: Did you know that on July 1, Yahoo domain renewal pricing increased to $34.95 per year
Transfer your domain to Go Daddy for as little as $6.99 and get a free 1-year extension plus guaranteed renewal pricing!  GoDaddy.com makes transferring easy and offers loads of extras including: hosting, a 5-page site builder, Complete Email, total DNS control and much more! ALL for as low as $6.99! What are you waiting for? Plus as a Gadgetell reader, enter code Gadget1 when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. Get your piece of the internet at GoDaddy.com. Keep up with the latest gadget goodness! (Read the full post about ‘Advertorial: Did you know that on July 1, Yahoo domain renewal pricing increased to $34.95 per year’…)

Stix Controller Heading Your Way

Stix Controller Heading Your Way
PC gamers need not be envious of their Wii friends, as this August will mark the debut of the Stix - a motion-sensing device that features touch sensitive capability as well. According to Brian Zheng, President, Plahut, “Stix will completely change the way people experience online and PC gaming. At purchase, Stix will be compatible with thousands of free online and retail games, and we’re adding more games to that list daily. The fun is endless with Stix, and the wide-range of free, supported games makes this product perfect for every member of the family.” You can choose from the 2D motion sensing Stix 200 and the 3D Stix 400 before making a purchase decision. (Read the full post about ‘Stix Controller Heading Your Way’…)

AT&T’s 2008 device roadmap leaked

AT&T’s 2008 device roadmap leaked
Aside from the obvious upcoming release of the iphone 3G, it looks like AT&T customers will have a good remainder of the year device wise. Based on a recently leaked 2008 roadmap there is a nice selection of phones that will soon be available. It looks like the upcoming 3rd quarter is going to be dedicated to the BlackBerry with an anticipated release of the Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi and the Bold. In addition it looks like the updated BlackBerry OS will also be released during Q3, which will put the 8820, Pearl 8120, Curve and Curve 8310 up to version 4.5. Then for those who are not quite as excited by the blackberry, it looks like Q4 will be the time for you, of course its almost like a flip with the 4th quarter focusing a little more on Windows Mobile 6.1 goodness. (Read the full post about ‘AT&T’s 2008 device roadmap leaked’…)

Air Piano

Almost everybody has played air guitar one way or the other; especially while watching some rock band’s music video, but what about an Air Piano? Omer Yosha has created the Air Piano, which is an electronic piano of sorts, but allows users to play it without physically touching the piano itself.

The Air Piano uses infrared technology to detect the user’s hand movements over it, and plays the appropriate note based on where the movement came from, including the height. The Air Piano is even able to detect if the hand is hovering over the same spot, and will sustain the note.

(Read the full post about ‘Air Piano’…)

Starbucks announces closing of 600 stores

Caffeine junkies prepare to freak out. Soon you may have to find another location to get you daily cappuccino, espresso or however you take your coffee fix.

In a recent announcement made by the country’s largest retail coffee chain, Starbucks will close more than 600 under-performing stores in the United States starting this year. In addition to the store closings, Starbucks announced it would be laying off more than 12,000 workers due to their corporate resizing plan.

With increased gasoline prices, a slowing housing market and increased coffee competition from food chains like McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts and White Castle, it should be no surprise that Starbucks sales have been suffereing.

(Read the full post about ‘Starbucks announces closing of 600 stores’…)


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