Gadgets Base

A special version of fring for the iPhone has just been released, making it the first mobile VoIP application on the iphone in the world that is publically available. Be aware that this is the pre-release version of fring, and despite that you will still be able to fire up Skype, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, Twitter, Yahoo! & AIM buddies on your handset. Heck, you can also use fring to make low cost mobile calls made over WiFi as well as IM-style chats. Do test the software out and let the developers know your bouquets and brickbats so that the final release version will be a win-win situation for all.

Since Intel announced their new Atom CPU, it’s been only a matter of time before someone actually released a tiny PC powered by the chip. We’ve already seen a concept gadget from Asus, however, Sharp is the first company to announce the release of one to the public.

This tiny computer/phone has been dubbed the D4 and features a 1.33GHz Atom CPU, 40GB hard drive, 1GH memory and will run Windows Vista. You’ll also get a 5-inch 1024×600 screen, WiFi, Bluetooth and more.

There are a few setbacks, one of which is that it is currently only slated for release in Japan. Also, you’ll need to shell out some big bucks for this one, it will be sold for around $1275 with a 2-year service contract.

Source: CrunchGear

For 2008 Sony have released a whole new range of their very impressive XBR HDTVs, and at the very top of the range are the new Sony Bravia XBR8 series. These XBR8 series are replacing the very popular and successful XBR5 range, and will be avaliable in large two sizes. As the 46-inch Sony KDL-46XBR8 and as the 55-inch Sony KDL-55XBR8.

Sony really has gone all out of the Bravia XBR8 series to make it the most modern and top of the range HDTV, which looks set to be one of the very best for 2008. The most notable feature of the Sony XBR8 series is the Triluminos RGB LED backlight, and it’s Advanced Contrast Enhancer Pro (ACE Pro) local dimming technology. By using LEDs as the backlight the contrast is improved, power consumption is reduced and local dimming of individual LED areas can enhanced the image further by dimming the brightness of the darker areas of the image. This leads to an overall better image with higher contrast ratios and deeper black levels.

We don’t have an image of the Sony XBR8 yet, only a silhouette, but we know it has the elegant floating glass design with piano black gloss finish and optional speaker grilles in a range of colors.

The two Sony Bravia XBR6’s are of course Full HD (1080p) with Motionflow 120Hz technology, 24p support, and feature a 10-bit panel and processing. Other features include the brand new Bravia Engine 2 Pro with HD video processor, TV Guide IPG, Enhanced XMB user interface, DLNA Ethernet compliant input and 4x HDMI 1.3 inputs.

Sony Bravia XBR8:

• KDL-46XBR8 (Sony KDL46XBR8) | 46-Inch, August 08
• KDL-55XBR8 (Sony KDL55XBR8) | 55-Inch, September 08

IOGEAR has just launched its DVI Video/Audio Extender Kit, enabling digital signage professionals to distribute video and audio signals within a 100 foot radius to a designated display with a single cable. The entire kit comprises of a couple of DVI units, a local transmitter and a remote receiver where users will be able to hook up with a CAT 5e/6 Ethernet cable. Using DVI cords, the transmitting component will link to the native source and the receiving extender hooks up to a DVI display. The whole idea of this device is to set up audio/video configurations in remote, insecure locations, where the device will be able to broadcast audio and video material for a variety of digital signage settings, ranging from exhibits to trade shows, train stations and airports. Heck, I believe even universities will find this handy as lecturers will be able to dispense their lecture across multiple classrooms simultaneously.

By virtue of its analog 3.5mm jack, the DVI Video/Audio Extender Kit is able to hook up to stereo speakers. In addition, it can also work using CAT 5e/6 cables which offers an affordable alternative to individuals having to use 100-foot DVI cords. According to Miranda Su, executive vice president at IOGEAR, “Presenters need convenient, cost-effective solutions to distribute their audio and video material over a great distance, especially when it’s challenging to set-up their equipment on-site. Our DVI Video / Audio Extender Kit gives teachers and professionals the flexibility to hold presentations in multiple places, as well as reduce cable clutter with video and audio signals streamlined over a single cord.”

Folks who want pure digital, DVI-D SL video support as well as compliance with the DVI 1.0 specification won’t go wrong with this product from IOGEAR. The IOGEAR DVI Video/Audio Extender Kit retails for $499.95 and each purchase comes with a standard 3-year warranty.

Product Page via Press Release

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 15th 2008 at 10:54AM
Presumably ensuring that no one views Sanyo as hypocritical, the company’s Superbright PLC-ET30L actually can throw up a fairly recognizable image even in a well-lit room. Featuring an SXGA+ (1,400 x 1,050) resolution, a 1,300:1 contrast ratio and a remarkably high 4,200 ANSI lumen rating, this PJ was undoubtedly designed to function in classrooms and boardrooms (or living rooms) that just can’t avoid ambient light. Additionally, Sanyo’s introducing the lower-spec’d PLC-XT21/L, which offers up an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, 1:000:1 contrast ratio and 4,000 ANSI lumens. Both newcomers to the T series line support wired networking and emit just 35dB of fan noise, but being priced at $6,495 and $4,995 (respectively), the duo is most definitely cut out for the corporate card and not your own.

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