3G iPhone in Canada - Canada 3G iPhone Plan Overpriced

On July 11th, the iPhone is being released in Canada. Unfortunately the pricing for the service plans are extremely high. It looks like Roger's Wireless may be taking advantage of the lack of choice in Canada. The Apple iPhone voice and data packages range from $60 - $115 per month (with a 3 year agreement). This pricing does include free Wi-Fi access at any of the Roger's or Fido hot spots. Details on iPhone Plans/Pricing

New Gadgets -Technology by DoCoMo - Gadgets of the Future!

It looks like DoCoMo (Japan) developed prototypes for new wearable technology with some advanced features. On Tuesday some of the new technology was demonstrated. This included a headset covered with wires that demonstrated how computer graphic lines in a monitor connected to a headset could be used to track eye movement. These eye movements were then tied to computer functions (move eyes twice to right, increased the volume etc.). Other uses mentioned in the research was the possibility of cell phone cameras reading product bar codes when a user simply looks at them (sounds like something from the Terminator).

A wristwatch with a vibration sensor was also shown. When the user tapped their fingers this would be tied to the controls on gadgets. These taps could be used to increase the volume on a music player, skip to the next track, or really anything with simple controls.

Some of this sounds in line with what Xybernaut had been working on years ago with their wearable computers (as shown in picture above). I don't think this ever took off in the retail sector, but I remember their wearable computers being used by Army, Police and a number of other folks.

Rock Band Wii - Rock Band Wii Special Edition Bundle Available Soon

The Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for the Nintendo Wii will be available starting Sunday, June 22nd. Rock Band will feature 60 songs, and all the accessories of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions (white drum set).

Guitar Hero World (IV) is coming out later in the year. It will be interesting to see how it stacks up.

Rock Band is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB. Rock Band is also currently available for the Xbox 360,PS3 and PS2.

Here is a List of Stores and Pricing for the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle

Toshiba Qosmio X305 - Gaming Qosmio X305 Laptop

Toshiba has outdone itself with the Toshiba Qosmio X305 laptop made for Gaming.

Toshiba Qosmio X305 Features include:
1GB of VRAM,
Intel Core 2 Extreme dual-core Processor,
17” Diagonal TruBrite® Widescreen Display,
Dual High-Speed Hard Drives (200GB 7200 RPM high-speed hard drives)
Four high-fidelity Harman Kardon Stereo Speakers (with Sub-Woofer)

The Toshiba Qosmio X305 laptop will be ready for sale in mid July this year (Jul 08). More photos/info can be found on the Toshiba site. The design looks pretty cool.

Sprint Instinct Phone - Can Sprint Instinct by Samsung Compete?

Sprint announced the Instinct (by Samsung). The Instinct is iPhone-like with it's touch screen and fast speeds. It will be available on 6/20/08 through the Sprint website. Some other features include: Speech to Action Button, Visual Voicemail, Camera, Camcorder and more.

I guess the big question, is can this or any other phone (ie. Palm Centro) compete with the Apple 3G iPhone? Only time will tell. It looks like Sprint's $130 price tag is a good start. Note: The $130 is after signing a two-year service contract and includes the $100 mail in rebate.

Compare Prices on Smartphones.

Nintendo DS Centre's in UK Retail Stores - Nintendo DS News

Nintendo announced today that 30 Nintendo DS Centres are opening up in the UK. The DS Centres will be located in retail outlets (ToysRUs,GAME,Argos,Woolworths and more). The Nintendo DS Centres will allow you see demos and play games.

More information

Apple Store Sydney - Sydney Apple Fans Lined up and Ready!

The Apple Store in Sydney Australia is set to open tomorrow at 5 pm (George Street). Fans are already camping out with tents, thermos etc. anxiously waiting to get in and explore the three floors (two floors dedicated to Macs and iPods and a third floor entirely dedicated to service). The new Sydney Store also boasts the largest Genius Bar in the world.

Apple has created such a stir over these that they actually have a fan base that is starting to attend all of the openings. Apple should start a band.

Here is the address for anyone wanting to make the trip out:

367 George Street,
(one block North of the Queen Victoria Building)
Sydney, Australia


Photo Above: Courtesy of Apple
-------------
Note This is an update to my earlier post about the Sydney Australia Apple Store opening.

Toshiba Protege R500-S5007V -Lightest Laptop-Toshiba Beats Apple!

Toshiba annouced the "worlds lightest laptop", the Toshiba Protege R500-S5007V. This lightweight laptop (Toshiba Protege R500-S5007V) is supposed to even be lighter than the Apple MacBook Air. The Protege weighs in at 2.4 pounds.

More Details

Sony Ericsson F305 Phone - The Sony Ericsson F350 is Wii Like!

Sony unveiled the Sony Ericsson F305. Similar to the motion sensing of the Wii controller, the Sony Ericsson F305 phone (besides being a phone) allows you to move the phone to control games. Some of the preloaded games included Bowling and Fishing. With the F305 you are able to play games horizontally. Other cool features include a slot for a memory card, camera, and gaming keys.

I'm sure Sony had the youth in mind when creating the Ericsson F305.

Other Details:

Your game console

Play bowling on the bus. Go fishing or be a jockey in the coffee shop. Play with dedicated gaming keys, or get physical with a motion game.

Pump up the volume

The stereo speakers boost your gaming experience further. And they're good for listening to music together with friends too.

Ready to catch the moment

With the F305 at hand, you're always ready to catch fun and unexpected moments. Your phone has a 2 megapixel camera.

Here's a picture of the Sony Errisson F305 phone in black:


Full Specs on the Sony Ercisson F305 can be found here: http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/corporate/products/phoneportfolio/specification/f305

DS Lite Lime Green in Europe - No Green DS Lite in US

The Nintendo Green DS Lite has been spotted in Europe (See Below), but everything still seems quiet on the US Front for the new DS Lite in Green. From the stir on the Internet in the US, I think people are getting pretty anxious to have the Nintendo DS Lite Green. Maybe it's from all of the environmental talk from the high gas prices. "Green" is good.

Pictures of Green DS Lite from http://www.nintendo.de.

Other Colors (in US):
Nintendo DS Lite (Metallic Silver)
Nintendo DS Lite - Cobalt Blue/Black
Nintendo DS Lite - Crimson Red/Black
Nintendo DS Lite Game System - Metallic Rose
Nintendo DS Lite - Onyx Black
Nintendo DS Lite - Polar White
Nintendo DS Lite Limited Edition Pink Ribbon


Comparison shop for Nintendo products at cartprice.com

Apple 3G iPhone has arrived - Apple 3G iPhone Frenzy Begins

The Apple 3G iPhone has arrived and the wait is over (at least for the release). Now the frenzy to get one before they sell out is the next bit of fun.

Here's the scoop on the Apple 3G iPhone:

- 3G Wireless Technology
- GPS Mapping
- Support for Enterprise Features
- Combines 3 Products in 1 — Phone, WideScreen iPod, and Powerful Internet Device.
- Runs Hundreds of 3rd Party Applications

Prices are Starting at $199 for 8GB Model and $299 for 16GB Model. The tag line on Apple Site is "Twice as Fast, Half the Price".

So, where can you buy it?

On Apple Site, they say coming soon to an Apple Retail Store near you (http://www.apple.com/retail/). It will also be available at AT&T locations across the US (http://www.wireless.att.com/find-a-store/iphone/).

Do you plan to upgrade your iPhone to the 3G

Tweeter Electronics tries new Approach - "Try Me".

I read today in the Boston Herald that Tweeter is looking to revamp their approach to selling products. Their product line hasn't changed much, but they are now promoting the "Try Me" concept. They are encouraging store visitors to interact with and "Try" their products.

Maybe this will help get them on the right track after declaring bankruptcy a year or so back.

Netflix Roku Player - Roku Player Supply Running Low

The Netflix Player by Roku I posted about Earlier (Netflix Player by Roku - Post) is running short on supply. The Netflix Roku Player backlog is estimated to take roughly 6 weeks to clear up.

Why is it so Popular? The Netflix Player by Roku allows you to instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix to your TV. It is as small as a book and retails for $99.99. Even though the videos are streamed, you can still pause, fast forward, and rewind. The player is also Wi-Fi enabled. Besides the one time cost, there isn't any change to the normal Netflix fees.

HP Voodoo Envy 133 thinner than Apple MacBook Air

HP released news regarding the Voodoo Envy 133 laptop today. The Voodoo Envy 133 is 0.7 inches thick. The thickest part of the Apple MacBook Air is .76 inches thick. So, it looks like HP's Voodoo Envy 133 laptop wins the battle of thinness. The Apple MacBook Air won the battle on weight (3 lbs vs 3.37 lbs). Apple also wins on battery life, and overall coolness... because it's Apple.

The Voodoo Envy 133 Laptop is expected to be available for sale during the summer with a price tag of just over $2000 USD.

Read Full HP Release which also includes information on the Voodoo Omen. Pictures/Specs are available at http://www.voodoopc.com/.

Flip Mino - F360W - Full List of Retailers

Here's the update to my last post about the Flip Mino. You can now find the Flip Mino at these retailers:

Amazon
Best Buy
Buy.com
The Flip
Kmart
NewEgg.com
RedEnvelop
Sears
Stables
Target
ToysRus
Walmart
Zappos




Here's are the Flip Mino specs from my last post:

- Flip-out USB arm
- Built-in software,
- Ability to view, edit, and share videos (w/social networking sites)
- Rechargeable battery that charges while plugged into your computer.
- Connects to TV
- 1.5 inch LCD Screen
- 2 GB of on-board flash memory (60 minutes of video)
- 2x digital zoom
- Model F360W
- ASIN: B0016BVKAQ
- Item model number: F360W
- Flip Mino - Flip Mini

From the 7 reviews on Amazon so far, it looks like the Flip Mino is being well received. All 7 reviewers have given the Flip Mino 5 out of 5 stars.

Flip Mino Video (F360W) - In Stock! 2 Stores!

The Flip Mino Video is Now Available for Purchase! This pocket sized camcorder is available in Black & White.

Here's a listing of the main Flip Mino Video / Camcorder Features:

- Flip-out USB arm
- Built-in software,
- Ability to view, edit, and share videos (w/social networking sites)
- Rechargeable battery that charges while plugged into your computer.
- Connects to TV
- 1.5 inch LCD Screen
- 2 GB of on-board flash memory (60 minutes of video)
- 2x digital zoom
- Model F360W

The Flip Mini Video retails for $179.99 and is listed as "In Stock" on Amazon with Free Shipping. You can also get it from the Manufacturer - Flip Video Store (also offering free shipping).



The the older series is still available and may start to get discounted with the Flip Mino F360W now out.

Previous Post on Flip Mino Video

Recycle Your Old Electronics at Best Buy

On June 2, 2008 – Best Buy announced that they are launching a test of its electronics recycling program in 117 U.S. stores. This is a step towards helping people be environmentally responsible when disposing of their old electronics. Full Best Buy Article. Yeah Best Buy!

Survey Results - 52% of Dads prefer electronics gifts

I read today about a Circuit City survey that came out (just in time for Father's Day). The national survey showed that 52 percent of dads prefer an electronics gift.

Additional results from the Circuit City survey:

30 percent of dads rated portable DVD players as "very important" for a
family road trip (25 percent rated built-in DVD as "very important")
27 percent of dads rated laptop computer as "very important" for the
road trip
24 percent rated an MP3 player "very important" for the trip
23 percent rated handheld games "very important" for the trip
20 percent said upgraded car stereo would be "very important" for the trip

My response to that is "Duh". Maybe the next survey will tell us that 96% of Men prefer sex over work.

Buy a Blu-ray player and get a $100 Wal-Mart Gift Card

Wal-Mart announced today (Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008) that it would offer a $100 Wal-Mart gift card with the purchase of any Blu-ray player in its retail stores. The offer runs from that from June 8-14. Wal-Mart will also offer select Blu-ray movies for $15 during that time (such as 3:10 to Yuma, WAR, Shooter, 300, and The Fifth Element).

Online they show this offering:

Sony BDP-S300 Blu-ray Disc Player ($388)
Magnavox Blu-ray Disc Player, NB500MG9 ($298)

In stores, I think they will also have Samsung and Panasonic.

What is an "Air" Mouse - (from Logitech / Gyration )

While digging into the differences between the Optical and Laser Mouse, I came across an Air Mouse from Logitech (Logitech MX Air™ Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse). This is really a laser mouse with an added feature -- Freespace™ motion sensing. You can pick up the mouse and move it in your hand. These hand movements translate to cursor movements on your screen. So, you can use it when listening to music to raise the volume, move to the next track, etc. from across the room (up to 30 feet - uses 2.4 GHz wireless). So, it looks like the mouse is starting act more like a Wii remote.

The Logitech MX Air™ Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse pictured below retails for roughly $150.
.

Besides Logitech, the only other Air Mouse I found was from Gyration (Gyration GO Pro 2.4 Optical Air Mouse). It looks to be pretty similar except Gyration claims to have a 100ft radius. Their version sells for just under the price of Logitech's.