Bowers & Wilkins C5 Headphones

If you’re in the market for a new pair of headphones you have more options than Don Draper at a secretary convention.  First you have to make the initial decision of whether you are going in-ear or not.  If you are, just be forewarned that many of the possible canal-fillers available will pop out with the slightest head nod (not good for death metal).  If you want a solid pair of in-ear headphones with top-of-the-line attributes, Bowers & Wilkins have finally put out some ear candy for you.  The secure loop design makes sure your buds don’t fall out mid-track not to mention that combined with the noise isolation, you’ll totally be engulfed in whatever is cranking out of your iPod.  The micro porous filter gives your music depth and quality that you’ll want if you’re listening to something other than drum & bass and, oh yeah, they look pretty sweet too. $180

$180    Check It Out

Bowers & Wilkins C5 Headphones

USB Wall Socket - brilliant!

Symbolic, this changing of the electronic guard.
$24.99. 

Additional colors and styles here.
Poor man's/TechnoDolt™ version (57 cents) here.

USB Wall Socket - brilliant!

BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 another look

BlackBerry's new QWERTY phone, Bold 9900 and 9930. The BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 (aka the Bold Touch) will run BlackBerry OS 7, features a 2.8'' touch screen, 1.2GHz processors, 8 GB of onboard memory and a five megapixel camera that can shoot 720p video. The 9900 will run 4G via HSPA+ connectivity, while the 9930 is RIM's world version with dual-band CDMA and quad-band GSM.

BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 another look

RIM announces BlackBerry 7 OS with better browser and BlackBerry Balance

The BB OS 6.1 update that grew too big for its name has just been made official by RIM as BlackBerry 7. Its ambassador into the wide world of smartphones will be the newly minted BlackBerry Bold Touch, which is expected to arrive "this summer." What can you look forward to? The user experience is promised to be both easier and faster, voice-activated searches are available for content both on your phone and the web, and the browser has been "significantly enhanced" with new features like a JIT (just-in-time) JavaScript compiler and HTML5 Video support. BlackBerry Balance is also part of the new OS, allowing you to compartmentalize your personal and professional lives into neat and separate piles of content. Full PR can be found after the break.

Update: RIM has just noted that there will be "no legacy support" with BB 7, meaning that older devices, even those running version 6 of the OS, won't be getting any (official) updates to the latest stuff. This has been justified by how tightly integrated the software build is with the underlying graphics hardware in the touch-capable Bold handsets. Basically, the old phones won't be able to run the new OS. Oh, and in case you were wondering, there's no trace of QNX in BB 7.

 "I LOVE my Bold, but i can't wait to get my hands on this device!"

More info here.

RIM announces BlackBerry 7 OS with better browser and BlackBerry Balance

Database Containing 2.2 Million PSN Credit Cards Up For Sale?

The PSN hacking saga just took a turn for the worse, with news that a database containing around 2.2 million sets of credit card details are currently up for sale to the highest bidder.

Report from PSX-Scene suggest that the unknown hackers even offered to sell the details back to Sony themselves with little luck before offering them up on underground credit card trading forums.

The really disturbing part of this is the news that these details actually include the CCV security code that until now was believed to be safe. With that code married to the card owner’s name as well as the rest of the card details then the card could be used without a hiccup – news that will no doubt send a shudder down many spines at Sony HQ as well as the70 million plus PSN members who’s data could have been compromised.

This story is still developing but we will, of course, bring you more as we get it.

Remember folks, if you’re credit card was registered with PSN please do keep an eye on it using online banking, telephone banking or whichever method you usually use. Vigilance is key.

Wow!

Database Containing 2.2 Million PSN Credit Cards Up For Sale?

iPhone 4 White - Dropped today!

After about ten months of delay, Apple is finally releasing the White iPhone 4 ($200-$300). The specs are the same as the black iPhone that owners have been enjoying for almost a year now, including a 5MP rear camera, 720p video recording, A4 processor and a 960×640 Retina Display.

iPhone 4 White - Dropped today!

PSN Update - PlayStation Network Down: Financial Impact to Sony Minimal

By James Brightman

PlayStation Network being down for almost a week now is definitely having an impact on some developers who look to download revenues to sustain their business, but it's also affecting Sony - albeit on a much smaller scale, according to Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter. 

It's hard to pinpoint exactly how much money PlayStation Network generates each day from game and movie downloads, as Sony doesn't typically divulge this data, but Pachter estimates that it's a fairly small chunk compared to Sony's global games business. The analyst called it a "small number," adding, "Even if they do $1 billion a year (and I don't think it's close to that), it's $3 million a day, and they only keep 30%."

For its part, when contacted for comment, Sony told us that they don't have any further PSN updates or any information to share on the potential lost revenue impact.

Digital is definitely a growing part of the business, however. Even a few years ago, PSN being down for a sustained period of time wouldn't have been as big a deal.

PSN Update - PlayStation Network Down: Financial Impact to Sony Minimal

Sony PlayStation Network Shut Down 'Indefinitely' Following Attack

Sony's PlayStation Network, plagued by problems for days, is being shut down indefinitely, according to the Wall Street Journal.

PlayStation tweeted a link to a blog post updating users on the situation.

"I know you are waiting for additional information on when PlayStation Network and Qriocity services will be online. Unfortunately, I don’t have an update or timeframe to share at this point in time," wrote Patrick Seybold, Sony's senioer director of corporate communications and social media. "As we previously noted, this is a time intensive process and we’re working to get them back online quickly. We’ll keep you updated with information as it becomes available. We once again thank you for your patience."

The Journal offers more insight, adding, "the Japanese electronics giant said it is keeping its PlayStation Network videogame service offline indefinitely following a hacking attack it now says may have compromised user’s information"

Seybold had said in a blog post on April 21 that it could be " a full day or two" before the service was up and running again. Nearly a week later and the network is still inaccessible.

Sony shut down its network following an "external intrusion" that may have put users' personal information at risk.

"Well damn"

Sony PlayStation Network Shut Down 'Indefinitely' Following Attack

Hacker's Bring Down PlayStation Network, May Have Stolen Credit Cards

Sony Corp. was trying to determine Monday whether users' credit card numbers or other personal information had been compromised as the outage of its global PlayStation Network entered a sixth day, PC World reported.

The company confirmed that an "external intrusion" by hackers disrupted the service, affecting more than 75 million users worldwide who use it to play video games against friends online, stream movies and shop online.

Sony Computer Entertainment spokesman Satoshi Fukuoka said the company was conducting a "thorough investigation" into the outage, which began April 20.

He said Sony did not yet know if users' credit card information or other personal information had been compromised in the attack, but the company would immediately inform users if it had.

A posting on the official PlayStation blog Monday by Patrick Seybold, Sony senior director of corporate communications and social media, gave no indication when PlayStation Network service might return.

"Unfortunately, I don't have an update or timeframe to share at this point in time," Seybold wrote. "We'll keep you updated with information as it becomes available."

Seybold said late Saturday that Sony was completely rebuilding its systems to strengthen its network infrastructure.

Players can still play games offline, but are unable to challenge others over the internet, one of the console's key features.

Hacker group Anonymous was originally suspected of causing the disruption as it had previously vowed retribution against the Japanese electronics giant after it took legal action two hackers.

However, in a message on its website Friday, titled "For Once We Didn't Do It," the group denied responsibility, saying that while it was possible that individual hackers had targeted the network, Sony was not an official target.

Hacker's Bring Down PlayStation Network, May Have Stolen Credit Cards

Moonrock Black Earbuds - Dope!

Straight from the alien planet known as Moshi come the Moonrock Black Earbuds. Ok, so maybe that’s not entirely. They’re not really from outer space, and hell, the earbuds themselves are more red than they are black. But they do look pretty damn good and they got the technical specs to back it up. Using Moshi Audio’s acoustically tuned drivers, the high performance drivers (105 dB/mW) will make your highs crisp and your bass and mids balanced – even at low volumes. There’s an iPhone microphone too for those few times a month when you’re forced to talk to your mom on the phone. The carrying case keeps them tangle free and conveniently slides right into the pocket of your jacket or bag. For $40 you get good performance and good price all wrapped into a package that someone could mistake for the obscenely expensive Beats by Dre. For our money, that’s a great deal. $40

Check It Out

Moonrock Black Earbuds - Dope!

Kix Berlin Concrete Usb Sticks

Concrete is one of the most serious materials out there. When you want something robust, manly and permanent, you use concrete. There’s a reason driveways and nice new pairs of shoes are made of concrete – it lasts a lifetime. Kix Berlin understands the manly appeal and durability of concrete, so they fused it with modern technology to create this simple, clean USB stick. It’s just enough concrete to look good, without compromising the portability. With 1 or 4GB sizes, there’s plenty of room for for thousands of pictures, emails and any other corporate documents you might need to one day blackmail your way into a title with Chief in it. $64 

Check It Out

Kix Berlin Concrete Usb Sticks

A rare 1923 Leica 0-Series camera is estimated to fetch over half a million dollars

Well-known photographic auction, Westlicht, will be staged May 28 in Vienna, Austria and have unveiled a few samples of what to expect in its Leica section. Taking the chunk of the limelight will be the 1923 Leica 0-Serie Nr.107. Only 25 of these cameras were produced and is the only camera known with ‘Germany’ engraving on the top plate. It was also apparently the first Leica camera to be exported as records indicate a delivery to New York for patent applies. The piece is estimated to fetch between 350,000 and 450,000 Euros. The auction will also have the 2010 Leica M9 Titan Prototype which is a fully-working prototype no.2 of the Titanium edition designed by Walter de’Silva. It has an analog viewfinder, one of 500 cameras equipped with LED illumination of the bright-line frames in the viewfinder and complete with the matching Titanium Summilux 1.4/35mm. it is estimated to fetch between 35,000-45,000 Euros.

A rare 1923 Leica 0-Series camera is estimated to fetch over half a million dollars

Super Sexy Roll

Say hello to the Rollerphone concept! At first glance it’s merely a wrist band that projects time, much like the Alessi Concept we saw earlier, but then you realize it’s actually a phone with a retractable transparent screen at the base. How high-tech! It features perfect ergonomics and anthropometry in design thanks to customization – meaning the screen unfurls only to the tip of your fingers, so basically it give you a good fit between the ear and the mouth.

Besides the obvious features found in the latest cellphones, Rollerphone boasts of an enviable media centre. You can watch videos, chat online, play games, read books and listen to music. It’s going to be hard parting with a phone like this, who wouldn’t want their entire digital world on their wrist!

Designer: Alexey Chugunnikov

So Dope!

Super Sexy Roll

WALdok - Dope!

Wiring a speaker system through your house is expensive and blasting your iPod speaker unit so loud you can hear it throughout the house could get you a swift noise violation courtesy of a cranky old neighbor.  A smarter way to traverse your pad and bring your music along is the WALdok.  Just plug in the WALdok and it both charges and amplifies your music while taking up just a little wall space.  And, since we’re fans of multifunctional items, we kinda dig that it also has an internal battery so you can use it as a desk top speaker.  With the WALdok if you’ve got The King of Limbs going on your iPhone, iPod or Nano and you realize you need to shave cause you’ve been neglecting your hygiene related duties while you’ve attempted to form an opinion on the ultra-mellow album, you can just bring it with you. $59

Check It Out

WALdok - Dope!

Factus Design – iPhone & iPad Metal Gear Cases

Japanese studio Factus Design originated from designing and manufacturing watches and soon after their ideas spilled over to other high quality products. With precision as their key design philosophy Factus Design en devour to push the envelope by utilizing wide range of metals from steel, aluminum, titanium, urethane, acrylic, ABS and many more for their products. It is a natural progression to see these metal cases for iPhones and iPads as these gadgets are at the forefront of technology right now. The brushed or polished metal finish gives an undoubtedly tough aesthetic, which is held together by over sized bolts. For the iPhone cases, there is an additional screw-in lens mount integrated on the case, suitable for attaching after market lenses. via: Hayabusa

Factus Design – iPhone & iPad Metal Gear Cases

Apple Releases New MacBook Pro

Today, after much speculation, Apple releases its new line of MacBook Pro notebooks that include a 13-inch ($1,199 USD), 15-inch ($1,799 USD) and 17-inch model ($2,499 USD). Both the 15-inch and 17-inch notebooks are equipped with quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, while the 13-inch features a dual-core Intel Core i5 and a dual-core Intel Core i7 version. The incorporation of the all-new Thunderbolt technology enhances connectivity, allowing high-performance peripherals and high-resolution displays to be connected to a single port with a data transfer rate of up to 10 Gbps. Also, a new wide screen format means FaceTime can now be used to make full-screen HD video calls that are brilliant and crisp.

Apple Releases New MacBook Pro

Android 2.3.3 for Nexus S and Nexus One Is Rolling Out Now!

Yes you read that right ! Google has confirmed that Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread OTA (Over-The-Air) update for both Google-branded phones: Nexus S and Nexus One is rolling out now. But be patient as the OTA rollout may take a few weeks to complete.

Gingerbread (Android 2.3.3) update now rolling out to Nexus S and Nexus One. Be patient, may take a few weeks for OTA to complete.

What’s New in Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread:

Android 2.3.3 is a small feature release that adds several improvements and APIs to the Android 2.3 platform.
For developers, the Android 2.3.3 platform is available as a downloadable component for the Android SDK. The downloadable platform includes an Android library and system image, as well as a set of emulator skins and more. The downloadable platform includes no external libraries.

• Improved and extended support for NFC.
• Fix for random reboots on Nexus S.
• Android 2.3.3 adds platform and API support for Bluetooth non-secure socket connections.
• New Graphics, Media framework and Speech recognition APIs.
• The Android 2.3.3 platform also delivers an updated version of the framework API.
• Contacts sync in Facebook for Android disabled for Nexus S and above.

Android 2.3.3 for Nexus S and Nexus One Is Rolling Out Now!

HTC Flyer

From the Mobile World Conference, being held right now in Barcelona, Spain, comes a preview of the latest Android tablet, the all-new HTC Flyer. The 7-inch device boasts a 1024 x 600 LCD screen, 1.5GHz processor, HSPA+ connectivity and a 1.3MP camera on the front with another 5MP one mounted on the back. New software features also include SRS Surround Sound, “Scribe technology” that recognizes handwriting, and OnLive, the cloud-based game streaming service. The phone will be available for purchase worldwide sometime in early 2011.

HTC Flyer

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play – The Playstation Phone

Sony Ericsson has announced their new Xperia Play smartphone this month. For the first time the company fuses their cellphone and their gaming divisions. The so called “Playstation Phone”, which is releasing March 2011, comes with a full Playstation game controller integrated. All other phone functionality is based on the Android platform. Let’s see if they can get some folks away from their iPhones with this little machine. In terms of looks it did also not turn out too bad actually.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play – The Playstation Phone

Sony announces A700 replacement, the A77, will ship this year!

We've been hearing rumors about a mystical, magical A700 replacement since last year, and now Sony's gone ahead and made things more official. The teaser image shows a transparent case, but the bigger news here is the transparent mirror, the same as found last year on the A55 and A33. This allows for advanced, real-time autofocus while capturing stills or HD video. Behind that mirror will be an Exmor CMOS sensor and, while Sony isn't saying how many pixels it'll be packing, expectations are that it will fall in the 20 megapixel range. Sony has also announced a new battery grip and a new flash for the camera though details are slim on those as well. All are slated to ship "later this year," giving you plenty of time to make room in your camera bag -- and maybe your budget.

Sony announces A700 replacement, the A77, will ship this year!