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The next Verizon One 'net device
Verizon's taking another shot at the "is it a phone, or is it an information appliance?" market, showing its totally redesigned Verizon One this week. Like its predecessor, the device sorta defies any categorization -- but very much unlike its predecessor, this is one piece of kit we wouldn't much mind setting on our nightstands, coffee tables, or kitchen counters. The units being shown at CES are pre-production, though still very functional with artwork brought in from The Museum of Modern Art, traffic reports, weather, and other glanceable miscellany on its crisp, bright touchscreen, while the handset itself is a squared-off cordless type (no dual-mode here). Media can be brought over from PCs and Verizon's set-top boxes, though placeshifting television to the One will not initially be supported. Verizon will be marketing these bad boys primarily to its FiOS customers, but they've specifically said there's no reason they couldn't be used in any networked environment and they could very well be sold outside the FiOS areas with an additional monthly fee for service. Click on for a few more shots of this glorified desk phone doing what it does best.
Nyko announces wireless Zero controllers for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
If you were lucky enough to snag a new console (or better yet, unwrap a free one) this holiday season, you're probably winging it with just one or two controllers until you can start hacking away at that towering December credit card bill and pick up a few extras. If so, Nyko's got its aim on you, hoping to snag those would-be first-party controller sales away from Sony and Microsoft and get a big fat Zero between the cusp of your hands. The 2.4GHz wireless controller already available on the PS2 (pictured) will soon be available on the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles, giving users another option if you aren't too fond of the ones already out there. These Zeroes will reportedly feature "heat-dissipating aluminum panels, backlit buttons, and a unique ergonomic design," but unfortunately, won't save you any cash in the process, as each of these (along with an apparently less important PC flavor) will be available for $49.99 when they land shortly after CES.[Via Xbox360Fanboy]
Keyspan Cordless VoIP Phone: soon to be chattin' for $79
It seems like everyone and their sister is coming out with Skype-compatible phones these days. And taking a page out of the handheld barcode scanner design playbook, Keyspan wants a piece of the VoIP pie too. Its new $79 model, imaginatively called the "Cordless VoIP Phone", has 15 hours of talk time, 1200 hours of standby time, USB/AAA power, and it's Mac and PC friendly, a'course. However, Keyspan doesn't list where you can buy this handset, or when it will be available. That aside, if another company (besides FiWin) really wanted to make the real-deal ultimate killer handset, they'd make a phone that was Gizmo/Zfone and Skype-friendly -- we'd definitely be interested. But apparently Skype doesn't like to play nice with SIP phones or any other kind of VoIP, which is a real shame because there's such a great marketing opportunity here -- they could call it SIPpe, like "sippy", as in the cup. Whaddya say?
Apple's Bluetooth Mighty Mouse reviewed
So we're sure there's a select few who have managed to resist the temptation to cut the cord and pick up Apple's newest Mighty Mouse, and unless you simply wouldn't feel whole without having it in your collection, you should probably stick with your current rodent. The Unofficial Apple Weblog tried their best to give an unbiased account on the long-overdue device, and while they appreciated the improved accuracy over typical Bluetooth mice (probably due to its laser), it was pretty much downhill from there. We can't say we're surprised that complaints stemmed from the (still) unergonomic design and the difficulty it presented in mousing to tiny targets. Although it performed well over a myriad of surfaces, TUAW thought it still couldn't provide the precision that USB critters can, and offers up no substantial features (aside from Bluetooth) to justify the hefty $70 price tag -- though they still liked it. Besides the fact that this is the same 'ole Mighty Mouse minus a tail, it would appear to these jaded eyes Apple just hasn't provided a compelling reason to ditch your current pet in favor of one with no strings attached.
