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A car stereo built for the King (of phones)
No, you didn't click on the wrong link. We haven't changed our name to The Unofficial Audio Weblog. "Why, then, is my beloved Apple-centric site doing a review of a car stereo?!" you're no doubt asking yourself. 'Cause this thing rocks your iPhone like you've never heard before! Sony was nice enough to send us one of its newest models, the Xplod MEX-BT5700U, which happens to be the company's flagship head unit. With things like iPod integration via the front-mounted USB port and Bluetooth audio streaming, the $299 single-DIN stereo has an interesting mix of features that you'd expect to come at a higher price. First off, some ground rules. I'm not an audiophile. This isn't going to be a review chock full of decibel ratings or fancy audio terms. While I've had quite a few aftermarket stereos in my time, and I've installed my share of head units, car stereos aren't my living. Instead, I'll be focusing on its interface and various connections to iDevices. The specs The Xplod MEX-BT5700U is no slouch when it comes to traditional stereo benchmarks. It outputs 52W per channel without external amplification and has a separate subwoofer out. It'll play nearly any audio source including HD Radio (via an optional kit), satellite radio, CDs (the store-bought pressed ones in addition to CD-Rs and CD-RWs with MP3, AAC, or WMA data files), USB sticks and drives, a CD changer, and of course MP3 players. Oddly enough, there is no Memory Stick slot. (Thank goodness!) Oh yeah, it even gets AM!
SOE announces a new way for Free Realms players to get in the game
Like the Free Realms Card Duelist job? Ever thought how cool it would be to have a card of your duelist? Well, it seems like Sony Online Entertainment thinks that would be pretty cool too, as they've just added a new service allowing players to do just that. The Duelist on Demand service allows Free Realms players to create physical Topps cards of their very own duelists. As an added bonus, each physical card has a code on the bottom of it that you can redeem in-game for a virtual copy of your unique duelist card! The cards are currently only available in the US (except Maine for some strange reason) and are $12 US for 10 cards. "This print-on-demand option gives Free Realms players an entirely new way to immerse themselves into the game, with a unique, physical Topps trading card," said Scott Martins, Director of Development at SOE Denver. "Imagine creating a trading card based on your in-game character and then trading it with your friends for their personalized card. It's as if you are passing out your very own Free Realms business cards." With school back in, this could also be a pretty nifty way to reward excellent grades, or as a unique gift idea for friends and family who enjoy Free Realms.
