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Sony Dash is ready to travel the globe if you're ready to pay the import duties
International readers, your day has come: the Dash will finally work for you. Sony has lifted restrictions on the device that prevented it from being used outside the US of A, meaning you can wake up with that company's most advanced alarm clock ever regardless whether your bedding down in Belarus or shacking up in Shanghai. However, the company warns that "many providers automatically geo-filter their content so your experience with your Dash may vary depending on your location." And, this not-so-cuddly Chumby is still being sold exclusively in the States, so it's up to you to figure out how to import yours.
Ask Engadget: best media display / internet viewer for bedside?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Jon, who just needs something to give him loads of glanceable information moments before he drifts off into the land of fairies, unicorns and deep-friend cotton candy. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I've been trying to buy a new alarm clock lately and am completely appalled at the selection available online or elsewhere. Most are basically docks for your iPod / PMP and have a pre-turn of the century LCD digital clock display and some shoddy speakers. They also range in price from $40 to $200. After seeing things like the Sony Dash and the new Insignia Infocast, I could see those as viable alarm clock solutions (with weather, music, maybe an RSS feed). Are there other items out there that have a great display that you can dim and would be able to serve this purpose? Or or either of those the one to get?" So, sweet-dreamers, what'll it be? Do you have a Chumby-infused widget display on your own night stand? Go on, don't be shy -- help a brother out in comments below.
How would you change Sony's Dash?
The verdict is still out on whether or not Sony's Dash is a world changer, but while we patiently await the first mod to shove a battery into this thing and make it a bona fide tablet, we're going to flick through your suggestions on tweaking what we've got. Were your hopes dashed (ahem) when Sony revealed that this thing was meant to be used inside? Are you happy with the widget software loaded on? Is this thing superior to your existing Chumby device? Feel free to really let loose here -- we get the feeling that Insignia's Infocast is just waiting around the corner to take your advice before Sony can pop out a revised edition.
Switched On: Sony's forward Dash
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. In its introductory press release, here's what Sony has to say about the Dash, a "personal Internet viewer" that it announced at CES: "Featuring a vivid 7-inch color touch screen... Dash utilizes an existing home wireless connection to continuously deliver Internet content to its viewers." And according to its SonyStyle.com site, here's what that Dash has to say about itself: "I use over 1,500 free apps and your Wi-Fi connection to deliver the information and entertainment you crave... right to your bedroom, kitchen or office." But Dash also has something to say about Sony, and for the most part, it's an encouraging message. Dash was one of the more distinct category-blurring products to emerge from Las Vegas in January. Its hardware is a hybrid between an alarm clock and digital picture frame and its content is a content mashup between Chumby widgets and Sony's Bravia Internet Video Link offering. Dash was introduced just a few months after HP introduced its DreamScreen, another product that provides "glanceable" information from the cloud.
Sony introduces Dash Internet Viewer touchscreen tablet (Update: it runs Chumby OS!)
We've got another one, folks: Sony's doing a tablet. The Dash Internet Viewer is a touchscreen WiFi device which can be propped up like a digital photo frame or toted around the home like... a tablet. Still, a Chumby comparison might be more appropriate: the 7-inch device can run Chumby apps (there are over 1,000 free ones out there already), to which Sony will be adding its own Sony Music and Sony Pictures properties for movie trailers, music videos and so forth. The $199 unit can be stood on end or tilted quasi-flat for a variety of hands-free viewing angles, and works as an alarm clock, waking users up to the sweet sounds and visuals of internet videos. The Dash ships in April. Update: We just confirmed that this device runs Chumby OS and is not portable (as in, there's no built-in battery). Rest assured, this is no slate / tablet rival -- in fact, it's more like a sophisticated alarm clock. %Gallery-81802%
Toshiba's DMFC "internet viewer" prototypes are truly next-gen
It's not every day you walk past something quite as striking as Toshiba's new DMFC internet viewer prototypes. Sure, folks like Toshiba and Samsung have been chatting up DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) power technology for ages, but to see it live and in person -- and powering a truly unique form factor -- is quite a treat. Word is these things can last for a week of typical use on one methanol refill, and are running regular old Windows XP. Unfortunately, there's no word on what processing and storage is under the hood or when these will hit the market, or for how much. Basically, Windows 7 is much more likely the OS we'll be seeing on them by the time they're ready to go -- if that ever happens at all, DMFC doesn't have the best track record of actually breaking through the productization stage. Video is after the break, and the gallery includes a couple other Toshiba prototypes.%Gallery-41724%
