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Keepin' it real fake, part CCXVIII: iPhome 3G for the wim!
Sure, we've seen plenty of iPhone clones in our day, but we'll say this: this is the clome to beat all clomes. It really takes the KIRF standard up a notch, running the best fake OS X we've seen to date. This one's identity is less confused than many of the knockoffs we usually see, and if you're lucky enough to get your hands on one of these 4GB having-babies... well, you just might be able to convince your grandma that it's the iPhone 3G S. Video is after the break.[Via PMP Today]
Keepin' it real fake, part CCVI: yet another Balance Board edition
Why should authentic, honest-to-goodness Wii owners be the only ones to indulge in some mindless escapism -- or a spirited virtual workout, for that matter? To this end, the heads at Chinavasion have dreamt up a two-tone, quasi-legal Balance Board KIRF for you and your game console. Sure, this is by no means the first such beast we've seen, and there's no telling whether or not this bad boy is compatible with your WÜ, MiWi2, or Chintendo Vii, but it does sport handsome light blue accents. Take one home for $67.91, or save a few shekles and buy 'em in lots of three or more. Intrigued? Take a closer look for yourself after the break.
PXP-900 handheld ditches the UMD drive, and the PSP
A new PSP may well be on the horizon, but it looks like the knock-off business is still going strong with the classic model, and it's kicked out one of its most faithful / blatant homages to date with this new so-called PXP-900. While it doesn't do anything crazy like actually play PSP games, you can apparently make use of the included emulator to play NES, GameBoy, SNES, and Genesis games -- even including those rare few 32X games, from the sound of it. Otherwise, you can expect the usual basic PMP functionality, along with a 2GB of internal memory, an SD card slot for expansion, a TV out port, an FM tuner, and your choice of four different colors -- all for the low, low price of $89.99.[Via SlashGear]
Keepin' it real fake, part CXCI: Motorola Aura gets the fake Louis Vuitton treatment
Sure, you could just get a plain old KIRF Motorola Aura, but those looking for a double dose of fake luxury will no doubt want to give some serious consideration to this latest knock-off wonder, which adds some of that always popular Louis Vuitton excess to Moto's often imitated sense of style. Of course, that imitation doesn't exactly extend all that far, with this so-called Imobile Phone V453 ditching the Aura's pricey circular display in favor of a not at all pricey square-within-a-circle display, although the phone does one-up the Aura with a eye-catching ring of LED lights around the display (hit up the link below for a glimpse of that). Or, if the Aura's not your thing, you can also save a few bucks and snag a fake Louis Vuitton RAZR... or not.[Via Engadget German]
iriver SPINN gets knocked off as... a digital camera
We were pretty impressed by the unique design of the iriver SPINN media player when we got our hands on it last year, but that doesn't mean it's a design that'll instantly improve any device, as fully exemplified by this little wonder now making the rounds in China. Apparently dubbed the SWIVEL-CAM, this one's a 5-megapixel shooter that packs an 8x digital zoom (and digital zoom only), along with a 3-inch LCD, 16MB of internal memory, an SD card slot for expansion, and video recording in either 4:3 or 16:9 modes, not to mention the usual e-book reader, voice recorder, and "game player." Intrigued? Then you can get your order in right now for $120.[Via PMP Today]
W Fit: The ugly, functional cousin of Wii Fit
You had to expect as much. Soon after the Wii released, we were up to our eyeballs in knockoffs. Now that Wii Fit has been in existence for a year (and incredibly popular during the entirety of that time), the knockoffs are emerging onto the marketplace. Enter the Wü Fit. The crazy thing about this is that the included board is apparently compatible with Wii Fit. And that's really all you'll get with this package, a board and some odd packaging, by the way. Check out a video of the unboxing after the break.%Gallery-23865%
Sonilex is slimmer than the PS3 and like, totally plays Tekken
Hey there, budget-conscious gamers: the Vii didn't quite pan out the way we'd all hoped, but we just want you to know you still don't have to spend $500 or wait for a PS3 Slim to hit the shelves to have a gaming experience worthy of 2008. Just pick Sonilex -- it's a fraction of the size of the PS3, and at around 32 bucks even the most stingy gamer can splurge for it. Word is 41 "NES games" have been released for Sonilex this year alone (probably piled into that odd-looking cart on the left there), including, incredibly but really, the unauthorized NES port of "Tekken." After all, the game cart says "2008" on it so you know you're getting the absolute cutting edge of NES games -- like, ones that were never even released until just now, okay? No word on Blu-ray though. That's a deal-breaker if you ask us.
Keepin' it real fake, part CXXIII: the Wiimote candy dispenser
According to the reader who sent this our way, this candy dispenser looks "exactly" like a Wiimote, except it fires candy out of the spot where the IR transmitter should be. Apparently the instructions suggest that you "Do not aim at face," so... it's kind of like the real thing.[Thanks, Timothy]
Keepin' it real fake, part CXIV: the N95 FM radio... from Asaki
It's just what you've been waiting for -- a Nokia N95 running Windows Mobile. It looks like the rumors were true after all! What's that? This is not a real phone? It's just an FM radio with a sticker on the screen? Oh bother. Yes folks, thanks to eagle-eyed tipster Eric, you're looking at the next evolution in gadgetry -- the Asaki N95 FM radio. We're not sure what the going price for this is, but we'd imagine slightly less than $779, though the real N95 doesn't come with those totally pimped-out headphones, does it?
Meizu CeBIT booth shut down by German authorities
Remember how the folks at the Meizu booth swore up and down that the M8 Mini One wasn't that similar to the iPhone? Well apparently the Hanover police think otherwise. According to a report, the booth (shown above in its vacated state) was shut down by cops for piracy during CeBIT and passersby were told that, "The venue is closed until further notice." It appears that after stopping down the M8 show, cops proceeded to confiscate equipment and literature associated with the painfully obvious knock-off, and will be making a more detailed statement on Thursday in regards to the action. Meizu, it might be time to get yourself a makeover... and a good attorney.Update: As you've probably already read, the Meizu booth was apparently shut down due to its use of an unlicensed MP3 codec. At the time we wrote this, all signs were pointing to the cause being the M8's alarmingly familiar UI, though that appears to have slipped through unscathed.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in; Image courtesy Heise Online]
"Sport" Vii 2 gets a nice, dry video review
That's right folks, it's the long awaited Dry British Guy (of Polystation 3 and POP Station fame) review of the Sport Vii (aka the Vii 2) -- the video game console of your nightmares. When a product is as anticipated as this, you expect a little disappointment here or there, and the KenSingTon Vii 2 doesn't fail to deliver... er, on failing that is. Watch in horror as you're taken through the bizarre knock-off world that is the Sport Vii software suite, including a wide variety of games involving horribly mutated-looking rabbits. Watch the video after the break and get all the facts -- our suggestion is that you hang on till the very end for an exciting twist.
CybertronPC CM900, Eee's long-lost twin?
Sure, it looks like the Eee, it sports the same CPU as the Eee, heck, it even appears to use the Eee's OS -- but it's actually the CM900! What does that mean? Well for starters, you'll pay more money for less computer ($349.99 for a 2GB system, the same price for a 4GB ASUS)... but of course you'll have that CybertronPC name to fall back on. Honestly, we'd say this was a rebrand if it weren't for the minor differences in specs, and who knows -- maybe it is. If not, however, this is the knock-offingest knock-off we've seen in a good long while. Far be it from us to condemn the CybertronPC gang for trying to get in while the gettin's good, but maybe next time these guys could at least give us a fair shake on the storage / price breakdown?[Thanks, Brian]
Dynacom's Wi Vision: not a Wii, not a vision
The nerve of the Chinese-via-Brazil knock-off industry -- thieving the names of consoles and not even attempting to also steal the look, operation, logos, or games. Enter the Wi Vision, a "game console" meant to evoke thoughts of Nintendo's money-maker by name, though it evokes something decidedly crappier in appearance... like a melting Genesis standing on its side. What about specs, you ask? How does a 240 x 240 resolution, 64 color capacity, NES compatibility, and included 106-game cartridge sound to you? Pretty good right? Oh, don't forget about the wireless controllers and complete lack of fun. Available now (in Brazil) for 269 BR (or around $150).
PC Gizmo fills IM alerts with rainbows, unicorns, chocolate covered teddy bears
Meet PC Gizmo. Sure, it's a cheapo, USB-interfacing Nabaztag knock-off... but it loves you. Don't make PC Gizmo cry -- let it alert you to IMs, emails, VoIP calls, and its insatiable need for hugs. See PC Gizmo do its thing in the video after the break.
Devil DAP scares off seekers of genuineness
At first glance, we assumed the completely misnamed Christmas MP3/MP4 player was merely a mephistophelean covering for an older iPod nano, but apparently, Putian Hengwang Trade Company put in the legwork and actually knocked off a DAP (or at least an interface) from Apple's past. This creature fittingly arrives in red or black and features 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB of storage, a 1.5- / 1.8-inch display, optional FM tuner and built-in speaker, a rechargeable Li-ion and support for MP3, WMA, WAV and ASF file formats. Sadly, there's no mention of a price, release date or pickup location, but there's a decent chance you'll find 'em awkwardly stacked up beside the Cross MP3 Player somewhere in Beijing.[Via PMPToday]
"Sony" gaming PMP turns up on eBay
We've seen, shall we say, creative uses of well-known brands to sell cheapo gear in the past, but it's not often we see a case as brazen as the one above, which cavalierly throws Sony's familiar logo onto a generic Chinese PMP in an attempt, presumably, to give it a bit more cred. Of course, there is the little matter that the PMP boasts of its ability to play NES games, and the fact that it uses SD cards instead of Sony's beloved Memory Sticks -- which are certainly welcome features, but not exactly ones high on Sony's list. If for some reason you want to take a chance on the player, however, you can currently find one on eBay at the link below, with the bidding hovering around the $25 mark (as of this writing).[Via PMP Today]
Keepin' it real fake, part XCVII: Nabaztag's sad little knock-off
You know the Nabaztag -- the lovable, WiFi-sporting, olfactory-equipped plastic rabbit which wormed its way into our hearts. Sure, everyone wants to nestle up to the little critter's twinkling LEDs and soothing expression, but what about Nabaztag's pitiful, cheap, single-function cousin, the Rabbit Sensor Night Light? That's right -- not a lot of love for this one-trick-pony, a simple night light which won't play back your favorite podcasts, recognize the scent of a carrot, read you a book, or act as your Cha'Dich during your trial on Qo'noS concerning the attack at Khitomer... but it will glow softly through its pink plastic casing. Look, it automatically turns on when it detects movement, and it's dirt cheap ($12.99) -- isn't that enough?[Thanks, kristofer b]
Everybody point and laugh at the Vii
Remember that ridiculous Wii knock-off from China? Well, up until now we've not seen the thing in action, quietly stowing away all kinds of nightmarish thoughts we cooked up of how the actual thing works into the most darkest recesses of our mind. Now, those nightmares come alive for all to see.Past the break is a much longer video.
Wii clone being "played" caught on video
Been thinking about investing in a Vii -- the low-rent Chinese knock-off of Nintendo's Wii -- but you're just not sure you want to fork over the cash? Check out this footage of the infamous console in action, delivered by our friends at Engadget Chinese. Just imagine getting together with your whole family for a round of Happy Tennis, Free Craps or Alacrity Golf -- you, grandma and the kids all twitching spasmodically, desperately trying to control the on-screen "action" with the janky Viimote. With playability like this, you'll probably need anger management. Check the video after the break and see what we mean.[Via Joystiq]
Keepin' it real fake, part XCIII: Bestlink Electronics clones the HTC Touch
Oh poor little Bestlink Electronics BL 3280. You look just like the HTC Touch, but you have no phone, no touchscreen, and your casing appear to be made from reconstituted Batman action figures. Sure, they say that you can play MPEG4, MP3, WMA, WMV, ASF and WAV files, and that you're no slouch at viewing e-books or JPEGs, but does that help you get to sleep at night? You can boast about your "dynamic GUI" all you want, or flaunt your FM radio and "gaming functionality" (though we're not sure how that works with your lack of buttons), but deep down you're just another, shoddy knock-off -- and we know it. Hey, at least you're not called the Pouch. Price and availability unknown -- we guess cheap and soon.[Via PMPToday]
