The Belkin TuneStudio is a four-channel audio mixer allowing for digital recordings made directly onto an iPod at 16-bit, 44kHz quality in uncompressed WAV format for crystal clear audio. Recorded items can be played back instantly. Audio is streamed though the built-in USB interface to and from a PC or Mac. TuneStudio also works as an external sound card, allowing input and output of audio to a PC from its connectors.
Each channel has a 3-band EQ as well as pan and level controls. High-quality Phantom-power-enabled XLR inputs provide up to 60db of microphone gain; a high-quality stereo compressor with makeup gain enhances audio dynamics and keeps audio levels within the recording limits of the iPod. Compression is controlled by a single knob. The TuneStudio features LEDs to indicate master audio level, power status, peak indications, and compressor.
Record Jam Sessions While on Tour or Create Podcasts on Location.
The Belkin TuneStudio is compact and rugged, making it ideal for bands on tour, as it can withstand life on the road. Jam sessions can be recorded easily by simply attaching instruments and microphones to the TuneStudio. Podcasters can use the TuneStudio to record their shows either in studio or on location.
Olympus has introduced their first Micro Four Thirds camera - the Olympus PEN E-P1.
The compact new Olympus PEN E-P1 has a 12.3-megapixel sensor and it’s Olympus’ first changeable lens camera to offer a movie mode (720p HD).
The Micro Four Thirds format was announced last August and since then we’ve been anxiously waiting to find out what Olympus would do with it. Panasonic has introduced two Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Lumix G1 and the GH1 with HD video. But until now, the only Micro Four Thirds action we’ve seen from Olympus was behind glass at tradeshows. But now there’s an Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera we can bank on - and it’s not just a list of specs and features, either.
The Olympus PEN E-P1 was named in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the Olympus Pen half-frame film camera. The lines of the E-P1’s sleek metal body are an obvious nod to that heritage. And like the Olympus Pen-Series, the Micro Four Thirds format E-P1 offers high-performance in a smaller camera body. Basically, the Micro Four Thirds format eliminates the SLR mirror so the camera and lenses can be smaller and lighter (for more on the Micro Four Thirds format, read our Micro Four Thirds Introduction article).The Olympus PEN E-P1’s stainless steel and aluminum body is comparable in size to a 35mm rangefinder and has a solid, metallic feel that traditionalists will love. Unlike the Panasonic Lumix G-Series Micro Four Thirds cameras, which have electronic viewfinders (EVF), the Olympus E-P1 only uses only a 3-inch, 230k-pixel LCD for viewing and composing, allowing them to make the camera even smaller. That allowed Olympus to make the E-P1 the smallest 12-megapixel digital camera with changeable lenses. It’s as if you chopped the top off one of the smallest digital SLRs and then squished the body front to back (see below). Lens diameters are also smaller and less glass makes the camera even lighter. The Olympus PEN E-P1’s size feels closer to high-end compacts like the Canon G10 than a digital SLR. But the EP-1’s 12-megapixel Four Thirds sensor is much larger than the G10’s and can deliver far better image quality.
There is one detail to note about image quality – the new True Pic V image processor is supposed to have a significantly better signal-to-noise ratio and that should mean better high-ISO image quality (the E-P1 maxes out at ISO 6400). Since the Four Thirds sensor is smaller than APS-C sensors in most DSLRs, it’s a bit much to expect the E-P1 (as well as Four Thirds digital SLRs) to match their image quality. The E-P1 has an image-stabilized sensor so image stabilization is available regardless of the lens you use.
If you’ve got Leica M-rangefinder lenses you can get a Micro Four Thirds M-mount adapter and you’ll be able to shoot image-stabilized photos with Leica glass on the E-P1.
Excellent reference to the Olympus E-P1 can be found here:
Have you every wondered exactly what your cat or dog gets up to when you’re not home?
WowWee Robotics, the pioneering company behind Robosapien, gives you its new WiFi-enabled, remotely-controlled robotic webcam platform.
Known as WowWee Rovio Wi-Fi - the 3-wheeled telepresence allows you to interact with its environment, surveying the home or office remotely through streaming video and audio transmitted via the Internet to your cell phone, PC or video game console. Video is captured through a built-in camera and NorthStar smart navigation boosts the units ability to act autonomously.
Working like a micro-GPS system, the NorthStar navigation and positioning system enables the WowWee Rovio Wi-Fi robot to know where it is, locate the position of other objects, and accurately navigate through its environment under its own control.
Got an iPhone? Enter “Rovio Driver” the new application available from Bertrand Leroy on the iPhone App Store.
With a quick download and a few settings, you’ll be up and running in no time.
The free app adds head position / rotation controls and the camera view appears to be much larger than the standard version.
The WowWee Rovio Wi-Fi is now US $ 315,17 (and that’s 10% off its regular price!)
Pentax has launched its latest waterproof camera promising to let you “go boldly where none have gone before.”
Called the Pentax Optio W80, the update to the Optio W60 will be more adventure-proof than ever, according to Pentax, and be waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof enough to withstand impact from a fall of more than 3 feet (1 metre), as it plays catch up to Olympus’ successful tough series of cameras.
On the tough specs, the Pentax Optio W80’s waterproof design withstands depths of up to 5 metres, letting you shoot photos and video for up to 2 hours underwater. On dry land, the rugged, shockproof design protects against drops of up to 1m. That coldproof badge means the camera can to be used in sub-freezing temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius).
On the camera specs you get 12.1 megapixels, a 5x internal optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm), a slim body and a wide angle 28mm lens. There’s also a 2.5-inch LCD screen and HD movie capture capabilities that record resolutions up to 1280 x 720 pixels at full-speed 30fps.
There is also fast face detection that sees up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, with smile capture and blink detection, for perfect portrait shots.
Available in cardinal red, azure blue and gunmetal grey, the Pentax Optio W80 will be available in July 2009 for US $299.95 in the US with an expected UK price of around £170 and is available now for pre-order.
Gigabytes biting you from your PCs or Macs?
Discovering the (not so-) unique ability to fill every hard disk drive around?
Let’s consider three different solutions to the problem, three hard disk drives suited for every environment.
The bad guy: Iomega Prestige 1.5 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive
Ideal for adding capacity to your system, the stylish Iomega Prestige 1.5 TB drive offers sturdy aluminum construction along with a convenient stand.
It’s the easiest way to save photos, music, videos, and more. Plus the Prestige Desktop Hard Drive is powered by an Energy Star qualified adapter for a cleaner environment.
You feel really bored about your internal drive or need to feed your beloved desktop: chances are you’re in need for the WD!
WD Caviar Black 1 TB drives combine a high performance electronics architecture with a rock solid mechanical architecture to deliver the perfect storage solution for your fully-loaded PC or maxed out gaming machine. Cool drive operation, no-touch head technology, and leading-edge vibration protection ensure enhanced reliability and sustained data throughput.
Features list:
1TB Capacity
3 Gb/s SATA
32MB Cache/Buffer Size
7200 RPM Spindle Speed
145 Mbytes/s Buffer to Disk Transfer Rate
Grab the WD Caviar Black 1 TB now for US $ 99.99 and save up to 60% off regular price.
Fast, elegant, and ultra-portable, the Iomega Prestige 500 GB Portable is an ideal storage solution for mobile professionals, busy students, and anyone else who needs documents and media files to be available at a moment’s notice. For your peace of mind, this drive is designed to be both rugged and flexible so your files stay safe faced with the rough realities of travel.
Half-a-gigabyte you’ll carry around easily with you and that’s fast and smart to connect with its single-cable USB 2.0-powered operation.
We still love iPhones and all the stuff that has been rolled out in the past two years.
Still rocking & surfin’
Nokia N810 is still rocking, though, and now its price tag has been slashed 50% off so you’ll get one of the best Internet Tablet around!
With the Nokia N810, Nokia has added a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a built-in GPS receiver. Nokia also stuffed 2GB of built-in memory inside, with a miniSD card slot for expanded storage.
The Nokia N810 retains many of the hardware features of the N800, such as a built-in VGA resolution camera for video calling, hardware buttons for zooming in and out on the interface, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The N810 uses a micro-USB port for data transfer and also sports a built-in kickstand for convenience.”
The Real Web 2.0 in Your Pocket
Because the Nokia N810 supports both Flash 9 and Ajax, you can visit virtually any site on this device. YouTube videos were choppy, but at least they played. And Netvibes loaded without any problems via Wi-Fi. Yahoo Mail had issues loading, but Facebook was fine. We haven’t yet decided whether Flash and Ajax support trumps the iPhone’s speedier page loads and more elegant method of handling zooming.
The audio quality through the speaker was surprisingly good on our early tests when we streamed “From Yesterday” from 30 Seconds to Mars on the Alternative Hits channel. Fans of subscription music will love this service, and you can load the N810 with lots of tunes using an 8GB miniSD or microSD Card (which augments the robust 2GB of built-in memory).
Easy to Use Cell as Modem
Wi-Fi is not the only connection option; for example after pairing a Motorola Moto Q 9h Global with the tablet over Bluetooth, connection was a breeze.
A simple setup wizard walked us through the rest of the process.
If you’re willing to carry both a 3G phone and the N810 and pay for the monthly data connection, this feature is killer, especially for those without constant access to Wi-Fi hotspots.
Considering the original LocoRoco stands as one of the best games on PSP – arguably one of the best on any console, in fact – we’re not questioning the arrival of LocoRoco 2. Certainly, the series is among gaming’s most distinctive in terms of a style that has uniqueness stamped all over its Teletubby-bright visuals and diverse nursery rhythm-style chanting tunes.
So there should be no disagreement over the fact that LocoRoco 2 offers more of the same. In fact, the starring characters – the charming LocoRoco themselves – remain exactly the same as before.
Like its predecessor, LocoRoco 2 gets you to use the PSP’s shoulder buttons to tilt its world left and right to guide a friendly blob through a series of pleasingly colourful cartoon mazes. As before, the blobs sing at intervals, split up to negotiate narrow passageways or swirl away on the wind, but this time you can also commandeer special little vehicles. Its essence is the same, though, and provides a joyously simple and beguiling walk in the park for dabblers, while those who like to court repetitive strain injury will uncover myriad secret tunnels leading to an array of increasingly hard to find collectibles. Appealing in the extreme.
The levels in LocoRoco 2 are instantly familiar if you played the original game. And if you did, you have the immediate advantage of knowing that the big snouted Chuppa is going to suck you up and spit you into the air, that secrets lie through evaporating walls everywhere, and that little waving MuiMui men are sleeping in hidden rooms throughout every level waiting to greet you with a new piece of furniture for your MuiMui house. (If you didn’t, don’t worry, this will all make sense after spending a little time in LocoRoco land.)
If there’s one PSP game you should be playing it’s LocoRoco 2.
Any video game whose charm can intoxicate you more comprehensively than countless shots of Baileys should be considered both compulsive and essential.
The Nikon Coolpix S60 is the newest generation of ‘point and snap’ camera, a perfect travel mate!
Roughly the same size (though twice as thick) as the revolutionary iPhone, the appearance and ergonomics of Nikon’s Coolpix S60 will be reassuringly familiar to Apple aficionados.
While the S60 comes equipped with a somewhat standard feature set, what makes it an easy, fun camera to shoot and show is its intuitive and responsive 3.5-inch touchscreen viewfinder.
Some of the features include a massive 10 mega pixel resolution which will enable you to print fantastic quality pictures of up to 16 x 20 inches as well as a 5x optical zoom lens with ‘VR image stabilization’. It has a 3.5 inch high resolution touch panel LCD screen and automatically adjusts the ISO up to 3200. One of the other great things is that you can save to an expandable memory slot in the form of SD/SDHC.
The Nikon Coolpix S60 is small enough to slip into a pocket and has a slightly longer than standard 5x zoom lens for this type of camera.
This is a very good looking camera and has obviously been built for easy usage with the 20MB of internal memory, SD card expansion slot and JPEG, AVI and WAV formats.
The Nikon Coolpix S60 has VR image stabilization which reduces camera shake as well as smile shutter and blink warning which will let you know when a subjects eyes are closed so you can retake the picture.
The Nikon Coolpix S60 is inline with a lot of other smaller digital cameras when you increase the ISO rating. The noise levels at ISO 400 are noticeable, but if it’s the only way to get a picture, then it levels are acceptable.
We like the macro shot. It is very clear and has great definition.
The PSP 17 in 1 Starter Kit includes all the necessary accessories to take your gaming to new levels. A viewing dock, carry case, wrist strap, emergency battery, UMD cases, car charger, ear buds, audio splitter, power data cable, screen guard and cleaning cloth are all included in this extremely convenient bundle.
What’s in the kit?
Viewing Dock: Supports your PSP and allows you to view all of your favorite UMD movies at an ideal viewing angle
Carrying Case: Designed to store and protect your PSP and UMDs
Power Data Cable: Power and charge your PSP from any USB power source and transfer data from your computer
Cleaning Cloth: Safely clean your PSPs screen with the ultra soft cleaning cloth
Emergency Battery: Power your PSP anytime using 4 “AAA” batteries (not included)
Car Charger: Power your PSP from any car outlet
Wrist Strap: Attach to the Carrying case or directly to your PSP
Audio Splitter: Allows for 2 headphones to be connected at the same time
Earbuds: Crank up your favorite game or movie and become immersed in stereo sound
Screen Guard: Protects your PSPs screen from becoming scratched
So small and easy to connect you’ll be running the EasyCap USB with almost any video source for a wide spectrum of applications ranging from VCR tapes conversion to digital, home security, video editing 101 and a lot more!
EasyCap USB USB 2.0 Video Capture Adapter provides a link between a PC and a video device with RCA connector or S-Video connector, such VHS, VCR, DVD, TV, DV, analog camcorder, camera. The adapter is ideal for laptop and desktop computer. By the professional video editing software, you can create many special effects on your video files, or edit your movies.
USB 2.0 interface, plug and play. EasyCap USB supports brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation control and capture audio without the sound card.
Features support for all Video Formats: DVD+/-R/RW, DVD+/-VR, and DVD-Video. Applying to internet conference / net meeting. Support NTSC, PAL Video format. Include Professional and easy to learn & used video editor software: Ulead Video Studio 8.0 SE DVD.
Let’s face it, when it comes to humanize robots smooth-walking, sleek-talking and obstacle avoidance ability are the most requested features.
But now think again: what’ more human than a robot that’s able to learn your own insults and talk nasty (and we mean nasty) when hitting objects (just like us, by the way)?
The Insultabotz creeps forward with its six insect-like legs and will avoid objects in its way. It can detect objects with its infrared eye and move accordingly, and while it does so, it insults you!
The Insultabotz robot comes with a re-recordable voice chip that allows you to pre-record any message or multiple messages (up to 15 seconds) and Insultabotz will repeat them in sequence every time it comes to an obstacle. Of course, they do not have to be insulting messages-but Insultabotz is not shy about giving you a piece of your own mind.
Warning! Remember that not only can your parents hear what Insultabotz says, they can record messages on Insultabotz as well.
So, listen carefully, the insult you hear may not be your own.
For ages 14 and up.
Batteries (and insults book) not included.
Insultabotz price is now US $ 69.99 (and that’s 30% off the regular price), so you won’t insult your credit card!
Update: Jun 21st it’s Father’s Day! Don’t you dare giving your dad such a threat a gift !
Rock Band Unplugged creates a full band experience in the palm of your hand by combining traditional beat match gameplay with key elements from both Rock Band and Rock Band 2, such as overdrive and chords. Your hands are the “peripherals” in Rock Band Unplugged allowing you to take direct control of the lead/bass guitars, drums and vocals.
In addition, players can expect a rich Rock Band experience with fully functional modes like World Tour, Band Survival and Warm Up and a robust character creator for full customization! Rock Band Unplugged features over 40 master-recordings including nine brand new, exclusive songs for the PSP system for a limited time!
On-Disc Track List
2000s:
AFI - “Miss Murder”*
All-American Rejects - “Move Along”
Audioslave - “Gasoline”*
Black Tide - “Show Me the Way”*
Freezepop - “Less Talk More Rokk”*
Jimmy Eats World - “The Middle”
Joan Jett &The Killers - “Mr. Brightside”
Lacuna Coil - “Our Truth”
Lamb of God - “Laid to Rest”
Modest Mouse - “Float On”
Queens Of The Stone Age - “3’s and 7’s”
System of a Down - “Chop Suey!”
Tenacious D - “Rock Your Socks”*
1980s:
Billy Idol - “White Wedding Part 1″
Bon Jovi - “Livin’ on a Prayer”
Dead Kennedys - “Holiday in Cambodia”
Motörhead - “Ace of Spades”
The Police - “Message in a Bottle”
Siouxsie & the Banshees - “The Killing Jar”
1960s:
The Who - “Pinball Wizard”
1990s:
3 Doors Down - “Kryptonite”*
Alice in Chains - “Would?”*
Blink 182 - “What’s My Age Again”*
Foo Fighters - “Everlong”
Judas Priest - “Painkiller”
Lit - “My Own Worst Enemy”
Lush - “De-Luxe”
Mighty Mighty Bosstones - “Where’d You Go?”
Nine Inch Nails - “The Perfect Drug”
Nirvana - “Drain You”
The Offspring - “Come Out and Play”
Pearl Jam - “Alive”
Smashing Pumpkins - “Today”
Social Distortion - “I Was Wrong”
Soundgarden - “Spoonman”
Weezer - “Buddy Holly”
1970s:
Boston - “More Than a Feeling”
Jackson 5 - “ABC”*
Judas Priest - “Electric Eye”
Jethro Tull - “Aqualung”
Kansas - “Carry on Wayward Son”
Rush - “The Trees”
Initial DLC Track List
30 Seconds to Mars - “The Kill”
Belly - “Feed the Tree”
Disturbed - “Inside the Fire”
Lynyrd Skynyrd - “Gimme Three Steps”
Muse - “Hysteria”
Mute Math - “Typical”
No Doubt - “Just a Girl”
Oasis - “Wonderwall”
Paramore - “Crushcrushcrush”
Red Hot Chili Peppers - “Under the Bridge”
Plus, Rock Band Unplugged includes the first fully-featured in-game store for downloadable content on the PSP system in the North American and European markets, leveraging the PSP system’s wireless capabilities.
The in-game store is powered by PlayStation Network, and players can to use their existing PlayStation Network account to purchase tracks, similar to the Rock Band console experience.
PSP system owners also have the option of purchasing tracks via PlayStation Store on the PC.
Nokia today announced a careful update for one of its most successful smartphones in the market today. The E72 will succeed the Nokia E71 with a handful of hardware and software upgrades, while keeping most of the design and overall characteristics of its predecessor.
There is no need to fix what isn’t broken. Nokia E71 is still considered one of the best smartphone choices for those who don’t want an iPhone or Blackberry, but amid the launches of countless new contenders, its features are beginning to look a bit dated. The new E72, expected to roll out late in the third quarter of this year in Europe (and apparently soon thereafter in the U.S.), does not mess with the E71’s key assets and simply focuses on feature upgrades and slight design improvements.
On the hardware side, Nokia added a 5 megapixel camera as well as a standard 3.5mm audio jack. On the software side, there is the desktop-like email integration from the higher-end E75 model as well as a new optical navigation key. Nokia said it also improved access to instant messaging, enabling users to set up IM accounts right from the home screen.
Navigation has also been enhanced with A-GPS and a compass, which can be used by users for walking navigation (free for the lifetime of the device) as well as turn-by-turn navigation, which is offered for free for 10 days during the first three months after activation of the device.
The office capabilities have been updated with a new version of Quickoffice, which delivers Microsoft Office 2007 compatibility, Nokia said.
The company said that the device will be offered for 350 Euros and we would expect the price of the U.S. device to be in line with the current E71, which sells for $359. AT&T currently offers a subsidized version, the E71x, for $100 with a 2-year service contract.
According to the Tomy i-Sobot website, this is the world’s smallest humanoid robot in production, as per Guiness World Records. With 17 servos and only 6-1/2″ high, it could be.
And I should be one to talk about the “smallest”.
The Tomy I-SOBOT stands a mere 6-1/2 inches tall. The articulated joints give the i-Sobot an incredible range of motion. And, it’s fun to pose.
>The Tomy I-SOBOT requires 3xAAA batteries, and Tomy has included rechargeable NiMH Sanyo Eneloop batteries. The remote takes AA batteries (not included). Tomy says it should run for 60 minutes under normal use.
When you power it on, the i-Sobot stands upright. A green “eye” lights up. A blue side-light on the side of the head can be turned on and off separately.
There are two switches on the back. One is for power, the other is a channel selector. The remote control is infrared, and the IR sensor is on the robot’s shoulder.
Tomy I-SOBOT is powered by 17 customs developed servo-motors and 19 integrated circuit chips. He features a built-in gyro sensor and comes fully assembled, ready for action. He can be controlled in a variety of ways: by pre-programmed actions, user programmed actions (done easily with the LCD remote control), or by real-time remote control or voice commands.
This year you can’t fail!
Your mission for Father Day’s gift is a tough one but we’re here to help you: meet the Tivoli Audio SongBook.
The Tivoli Audio SongBook is a wonderful personal travel radio that you can take anywhere, including on international trips. Although it only has a single 2-1/2-inch mono speaker, it produces a very nice sound, and you can use the stereo headphone jack for private listening.
What is most impressive about this personal radio is its reception. The Tivoli Audio SongBook has advanced filters that isolate the FM signal to produce a very clean sound, and it even has the ability to tune to AM frequencies used abroad. Simply flip the 9k switch to listen to international AM broadcasts (assuming you are within range, of course). There are presets for five stations.
The Tivoli Audio SongBook is water-resistant, which helps protect it from both the weather and from dirt and dust that could harm a personal radio of lesser construction. You can use the SongBook as an alarm clock, as it includes a sleep feature and the option of waking to the radio or an alarm tone. In fact, via the SongBook’s auxiliary input, you can even wake to music from your iPod.
The Tivoli Audio SongBook comes in multiple colors, including yellow, blue, silver, green, white and black. This personal radio uses six AA batteries. There is also an AC plug input for use while traveling, and an AC adapter is included.
Don’t forget that the Tivoli Audio SongBook sports an AUX in (auxiliary input) comes in handy when you want to connect any audio source, especially an iPod!
Price is now an unprecedented US $ 129.00 (and that’s 35% less regular price!)
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Olympus has introduced their first Micro Four Thirds camera - the 
Have you every wondered exactly what your cat or dog gets up to when you’re not home?
Called the 
will be more adventure-proof than ever, according to Pentax, and be waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof enough to withstand impact from a fall of more than 3 feet (1 metre), as it plays catch up to Olympus’ successful tough series of cameras. 
Ideal for adding capacity to your system, the stylish 
7200 RPM SATA II
USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive
So there should be no disagreement over the fact that LocoRoco 2 offers more of the same. In fact, the starring characters – the charming LocoRoco themselves – remain exactly the same as before.
is the newest generation of ‘point and snap’ camera, a perfect travel mate!
The 
So small and easy to connect you’ll be running the 
Meet the 
!
Nokia today announced a careful update for one of its most successful smartphones in the market today. The E72 will succeed the 
According to the 
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.
