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Samsung's SC-X300L wearable camcorder gets reviewed
Finally, a review is in on the product you've all been hemming and hawing over -- Samsung's head-mountable sports camcorder: the SC-X300L. First things first, let's get this clear: this is a camcorder which mounts to your head via a velcro strap, and it is manufactured by Samsung... got it? The reviewer calls it "cool looking," though we have our doubts, and he seems to have a lot of trouble getting the device strapped on at the right angle. Apparently, after about six tries he got the positioning worked out, and had a lot of fun shooting videos (on an electric motorbike and of his wife unpacking groceries). In the end, however, the verdict seems to be that there are too many buttons, the proprietary Samsung video format makes dealing with files a pain, the resolution (720 x 480) is just so-so, and the lack of still shots is a big minus. For the asking price ($449) it sounds like you might be better off with another, more full featured model -- and a roll of duct tape.
22Moo expands its awkward lineup of head mounted displays
Although we Americans tend to scoff at anything labeled 3D, stereoscopic, or wearable display, apparently the Aussies (or somebody) think these things are pretty inspiring. Expanding its (astoundingly) growing list of head mounted displays, 22Moo is offering two more (likely rebadged) units to literally gander at, and is going all out with its marketing ploys to connect these gaudy headpieces to some of the trendiest products out. The lightweight i-Vision 230 comes in white (surprised?), red, and silver color schemes, features a "virtual display" of 35-inches from 2-meters away, rocks a 320 x 240 resolution LCD, and plays nice with your "video iPod, Zune, Wii, and Xbox 360" (not to mention basically any other vanilla video source). The beefed-up Argo+PC adds "PlayStation 3 and set-top box" compatibility, features twin 640 x 480 resolution LCDs, a detachable light shield, stereo headphones, and generates a virtual image of 43-inches. Additionally, this set can reproduce "3D stereoscopic images" if used with a "compatible video card." Both eyewear devices are currently available for those interested, and while the i-Vision 230 will run you $250, the presumably Star Trek-approved Argo+PC (pictured after the break) will demand $350.
22Moo unveils HMD800 head mounted display
You'd think that wearable displays could've come a long way since the days of the Virtual Boy, but you'd be (mostly) wrong. Churning out yet another eyesore of a head mounted display is 22Moo -- the same Aussies who brought us the equally awkward VG-SD goggles -- whose $199 HMD800 touts the ability to provide a "30-inch virtual theater-like image with clear and exquisite pictures." The contraption also boasts a "2.1 Dolby surround sound experience," and compatibility with iPods, PMPs, gaming consoles, and practically anything with standard AV outputs. The device supports both NTSC and PAL, sports an 800 x 225 resolution, contrast / brightness controls, eight-hour Li-ion cell, and a comical "eye patch" in case you prefer a more one-sided viewpoint. Although the company claims it was designed by "renowned ergonomicists," we question its ability to remain comfortable (or leave our retinas unscathed) after enduring the Lord of the Rings trilogy (or bevy of Engadget commercials).[Via MobileWhack]
