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Aiptek's 3D i2 camcorder now up for pre-sale, cheaper than expected
If you live in a constant (and expensive) state of being way ahead of the curve, you're already pining to get yourself a 3D camcorder and, as we reported last week, Aiptek's i2 will do your budget the least harm. Now we have word that formal release for the US happens in August and it'll be cheaper here than expected: $200. For that you get a device that can record 720p video in stereo and play it back on the integrated parallax barrier 3D LCD, which our intrepid reporter Andy Yang said looks awful thanks to a very small sweet spot that must be perfectly positioned in relation to your eye holes. Thankfully, things should look much better when piped out over HDMI to that 3D HDTV of yours -- first in the neighborhood, of course.
Aiptek leads the affordable 3D camcorder rush with its i2
Aiptek has certainly done its part to lower the prices of consumer electronics like pico projectors and pocket-sized camcorders, and now it looks set to destabilize the 3D camcorder market -- a market that doesn't even properly exist yet, with only Fujifilm's $600 FinePix Real 3D W1 filling the need. Aiptek was showing off its i2 camcorder, a Flip-like device (even with a pop-out USB connector) that has been augmented with a second five megapixel CCD. It's capable of recording 720p video and is set to retail for about $250, making it a relative bargain. The camera is set to launch in Asia in July, where we figure it'll take about 30 seconds for someone to paint one up like Domo Kun.
Thanko's i2! Stream forces your friends to hear your jams
So we've basically seen the wired version of this in Belkin's RockStar, but at least that made a modicum of sense. This, however, does not. Thanko's i2! Streams works as such: you plug one of the wireless transmitters in between your DAP / PMP and headphones, and up to five of your pals simply hold onto a receiver unit with earbuds of their own. As you can guess, those five pals now have your music piped to them through the air. The only problem? Why hold on to one of these things when you could pick up a chintzy DAP of your own down the street for a couple yuan / yen / whatever? Thanko's wonders never cease...[Via CrunchGear]
Segway i2 now available in Metallic Sage, still not inviting
We appreciate the effort, we really do, but we can't see a new hue as being the adjustment that coaxes the world to stop laughing at the Segway i2. Nevertheless, those who have convinced themselves that they just have to have a two-wheeled transporter can now snatch one up in Metallic Sage. Of course, it's not like anyone outside of the i2 owners circle will even notice the difference, but hey, we've heard that some seriously great relationships have come from within that exclusive sect. Sike.[Via Gearlog]
Segway launches two new models: the i2 and x2
As rumored, Segway is launching two new versions of their still-looks-nerdy-as-ever two wheel Human Transporter. The biggest update is the new "LeanSteer" system that does away the clunky grip-based control for turning, and now allows for leaning into turns in much the same way as leaning forward and back controls speed. Segway is also packing in a new wireless "InfoKey" controller (the Bluetooth HT-V1A unit we recently saw get by the FCC) that operates as a monitor for battery level, seed and distance, and also acts as extra security for your Segway. When mounted on your Segway, the InfoKey acts as a normal "dashboard" display. Finally, along with extensive redesign of the entire unit, Segway has added those "Saphion" lithium-ion batteries -- first featured in the XT and i180 -- which manage 24 miles on regular terrain with the i2, and go for 12 miles offroad with the x2, but both devices still "speed" along at the traditional 12.5 mph. You can nab the i2 now for $5,000, or wait around for the x2 which will be out in September. Segway will also be releasing other versions of their second-generation scooter, such as a new golf-centric model, with all six total version due by the end of the year.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Read - Segway i2Read - Segway x2
New Segway coming tomorrow?
Wouldn't you know it, just when we've finally perfected riding our Segway HT180i without falling off every five seconds and skinning our knees, multiple reports are claiming that the company is poised to release a brand new version of the self-stabilizing human transporter as soon as tomorrow. A generous tipster sent us the exclusive photo you see here which supposedly depicts a model known as the i2 (Does the "i" indicate some sort of iPod integration? We couldn't say, but everyone else is doing it these days.); the same tipster claims a so-called x2 Segway is also on the way. Since the only info we have on the supposed i2 is what we we can glean from the pics, well, we really don't know very much at all -- but another tipster is reporting that Segway reps told him tomorrow's release will be "70% new and very different from the old models." Don't worry, we're a bit confused too, but if our sources are on the money, we'll be able to deliver you all the solid deets in less than a day's time.Update: Oh, those helpful tipsters. The latest word from our man on the inside is that the new offering -- supposedly priced similarly to current Segs -- will operate on a "lean steer" system, which as the name indicates, means that leaning left or right on the handlebars will turn the vehicle in the corresponding direction. A wireless security fob is also said to be part of the package, so you can pretend that you own a real car even though you're just cruising around on a teched-out scooter.[Thanks, Dignan17 and other]
