Sony's teaser campaign for the not-so-secret Sony Vaio P series of high-end netbooks is almost at an end.
And while we wait for the 'official' announcement tomorrow, pictures of the Vaio netbook/subnotebook (with differences of opinion on what category it comes under already) are circulating at CES.
Hilariously, the pics were spotted on a monitor in a CES exhibition space – and quickly snapped for posterity (or were they leaked in order to engender a spontaneous 'teaser' PR job for Sony yet again? Conspiracists will no doubt be discussing this issue for literally hours, days even...)
Chicklet keyboard, tiny nub
Engadget has the scoop and pics on this one, reporting: "Chicklet keyboard, check. Tiny pointing nub, check. Looks like this is Sony's Vaio P series ultraportable on display at CES.
"By on display we mean, on display as these shots were taken off the display monitors here at CES. Engadget was first in the world to reveal the P from the FCC specs so it seems only fitting that we bring you the first authenticated pictures dontchathink? The Sony Picturebook... it lives again at CES!"
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
7digital boss knocks Apple's DRM-free offering
Apple has finally announced that iTunes is to go DRM-free, however, there are still some vociferous critics of Apple's iTunes strategy.
Ben Drury, CEO of independent online music store 7digital.com has a good point to make on Apple's DRM-free claim.
"Downloads from iTunes are still in the AAC file format regardless of whether they are DRM-free," Drury reminds TechRadar.
MP3 beats AAC
"7digital.com prides itself on offering the MP3 universal download format, which works across any iPod, MP3 player or mobile phone.
"The AAC file format is only compatible with iPods/iPhones and a limited number of other devices. So consumers who buy downloads from iTunes are still restricted to where they can play that music regardless of whether it's DRM free or not."
Ben Drury, CEO of independent online music store 7digital.com has a good point to make on Apple's DRM-free claim.
"Downloads from iTunes are still in the AAC file format regardless of whether they are DRM-free," Drury reminds TechRadar.
MP3 beats AAC
"7digital.com prides itself on offering the MP3 universal download format, which works across any iPod, MP3 player or mobile phone.
"The AAC file format is only compatible with iPods/iPhones and a limited number of other devices. So consumers who buy downloads from iTunes are still restricted to where they can play that music regardless of whether it's DRM free or not."
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Apple fires iWork '09 into the Cloud
Alongside the expected updates to Keynote, Pages and Numbers, the most intriguing part of Apple's iWork '09 announcement was iWork.com.
"Using your Apple ID, just click the iWork.com icon in the Keynote, Pages or Numbers toolbar to upload your document and invite others to view it online.
"Viewers can provide comments and notes, and download a copy of your document in iWork, Microsoft Office or PDF formats. A consolidated online list of all your shared documents indicates when your viewers have posted comments."
iWork.com is being introduced as a public beta and may eventually become a fee-based service. It's not quite Google Docs, but it does provide an interesting way for teams to collaborate on documents without pinging them back and forth by email.
Keynote, Pages and Numbers
As for the improvements to the iWork components themselves, Keynote '09 introduces advanced object transitions, which automatically animate objects with a choice of effects. Then there's Magic Move, enabling you to create sophisticated animations just by applying a simple transition.
Pages '09 features a new Full Screen view that hides the clutter of toolbars to help you focus on your writing. There's also an outline mode to organize your thoughts. 40 new templates have also been included to provide inspiration for newsletters, posters, certificates and stationery.
Finally, Numbers '09 introduces a quick way to group and summarize data, a dramatically simplified way to create complex formulas, and a number of expanded chart options. It's as thrilling as a spreadsheet can get.
iWork '09 is available now and costs £69 ($79).
"Using your Apple ID, just click the iWork.com icon in the Keynote, Pages or Numbers toolbar to upload your document and invite others to view it online.
"Viewers can provide comments and notes, and download a copy of your document in iWork, Microsoft Office or PDF formats. A consolidated online list of all your shared documents indicates when your viewers have posted comments."
iWork.com is being introduced as a public beta and may eventually become a fee-based service. It's not quite Google Docs, but it does provide an interesting way for teams to collaborate on documents without pinging them back and forth by email.
Keynote, Pages and Numbers
As for the improvements to the iWork components themselves, Keynote '09 introduces advanced object transitions, which automatically animate objects with a choice of effects. Then there's Magic Move, enabling you to create sophisticated animations just by applying a simple transition.
Pages '09 features a new Full Screen view that hides the clutter of toolbars to help you focus on your writing. There's also an outline mode to organize your thoughts. 40 new templates have also been included to provide inspiration for newsletters, posters, certificates and stationery.
Finally, Numbers '09 introduces a quick way to group and summarize data, a dramatically simplified way to create complex formulas, and a number of expanded chart options. It's as thrilling as a spreadsheet can get.
iWork '09 is available now and costs £69 ($79).
Saturday, January 3, 2009
DivX 7 launches with enhanced HD support
DivX has announced the latest version of DivX 7, featuring enhanced support for high definition video output and surround sound audio.
"The new release of the popular video software is based on the cutting-edge H.264 video compression standard, which allows for high-performance, high-quality digital video at up to 1080p HD resolution," the company's press release informs us.
The software is available in two versions, the free DivX for Windows download which supports DivX video playback, and the DivX Pro for Windows download which enables DivX video creation.
The current download gives you a 15-day trial of DivX Converter and DivX Pro Codec, after which you'll have to reach for the credit card if you want to continue using them.
Download right now!
The release continues: "The DivX Player offers free support for H.264 files that use the popular .mkv file extension. The DivX Converter, which is available in the DivX Pro package or as a 15-day free trial in the free DivX for Windows download, enables easy one-step conversion of digital video files into the new DivX Plus format, which is based on H.264 video and the high-quality AAC audio format."
Check it out. Remember to set your DivX Player to be your default player for high def .MKV files
Version 7 of DivX for Windows, is available for download on the company's newly redesigned website at www.divx.com.
"The new release of the popular video software is based on the cutting-edge H.264 video compression standard, which allows for high-performance, high-quality digital video at up to 1080p HD resolution," the company's press release informs us.
The software is available in two versions, the free DivX for Windows download which supports DivX video playback, and the DivX Pro for Windows download which enables DivX video creation.
The current download gives you a 15-day trial of DivX Converter and DivX Pro Codec, after which you'll have to reach for the credit card if you want to continue using them.
Download right now!
The release continues: "The DivX Player offers free support for H.264 files that use the popular .mkv file extension. The DivX Converter, which is available in the DivX Pro package or as a 15-day free trial in the free DivX for Windows download, enables easy one-step conversion of digital video files into the new DivX Plus format, which is based on H.264 video and the high-quality AAC audio format."
Check it out. Remember to set your DivX Player to be your default player for high def .MKV files
Version 7 of DivX for Windows, is available for download on the company's newly redesigned website at www.divx.com.
Friday, January 2, 2009
The video recording spy watch is real!
If you're one of those people that love a bit of snooping action at the weekends, then have we got the gadget for you. The Thanko MP4 Spy watch might look like a chunky wrist-piece, but it also shoots covert video too.
Not only that, but it can take digital stills, play MP3s and video and even playback photos as well.
It even plays back AVI video, which some computers struggle with without the necessary codecs etc. (can you tell what file type annoyed TechRadar at the weekend when it refused to play?)
Chunky
While it might not work with today's minimalist outfits, taking video at 352x288 resolution and pics at 640x480 in a watch is something we just can't help but like.
However, this is one of those 'Damn you Japan, why did you get it first?' gadgets, costing roughly £100 at today's rates.
But never fear! Most Thanko gadgets make it over the land and sea to the UK at some point or other, so just sit and wait. Or go out and do something else, it's up to you.
Not only that, but it can take digital stills, play MP3s and video and even playback photos as well.
It even plays back AVI video, which some computers struggle with without the necessary codecs etc. (can you tell what file type annoyed TechRadar at the weekend when it refused to play?)
Chunky
While it might not work with today's minimalist outfits, taking video at 352x288 resolution and pics at 640x480 in a watch is something we just can't help but like.
However, this is one of those 'Damn you Japan, why did you get it first?' gadgets, costing roughly £100 at today's rates.
But never fear! Most Thanko gadgets make it over the land and sea to the UK at some point or other, so just sit and wait. Or go out and do something else, it's up to you.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
London to get world's tallest video projection
What's worse than Boris Johnson as mayor of London? How about a 200-foot tall Boris Johnson as mayor of London?
LG Electronics is sponsoring the capital's New Year's Eve fireworks display this year, and has threatened, er, promised to see in 2009 with the world's tallest video projection of London's gaffe-prone leader.
Boris will loom over the entire city from the Shell Building on the South Bank, and will be joined in his enormous virtuality by a 'star-studded list' of 'very special' guests. (Oh dear, that probably means Lord Coe and Andy Burnham).
A tall story
"We will significantly enhance the experience on the night and ensure that London's New Year celebrations become a global talking point" says Andrew Warner, Marketing Director of LG Electronics UK.
Presumably along the lines of: "If they do this again next year, we'll go to Paris for New Year's instead."
If you want any further excuse to stay at home with a bottle of dry sherry to watch Graham Norton, the organisers have announced that revellers will be herded into giant pens and forced to listen to a 'specially mixed' Radio 1 soundtrack while the fireworks are happening.
LG Electronics is sponsoring the capital's New Year's Eve fireworks display this year, and has threatened, er, promised to see in 2009 with the world's tallest video projection of London's gaffe-prone leader.
Boris will loom over the entire city from the Shell Building on the South Bank, and will be joined in his enormous virtuality by a 'star-studded list' of 'very special' guests. (Oh dear, that probably means Lord Coe and Andy Burnham).
A tall story
"We will significantly enhance the experience on the night and ensure that London's New Year celebrations become a global talking point" says Andrew Warner, Marketing Director of LG Electronics UK.
Presumably along the lines of: "If they do this again next year, we'll go to Paris for New Year's instead."
If you want any further excuse to stay at home with a bottle of dry sherry to watch Graham Norton, the organisers have announced that revellers will be herded into giant pens and forced to listen to a 'specially mixed' Radio 1 soundtrack while the fireworks are happening.
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