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Wii Fanboy Review: Brando Wii Sports Pack
When we first learned of Brando's Wii Sports accessories, we knew it was our civic duty to get our hands on a set in the name of you, the readers. Because we're here for you. We're BFF. And, well ... they just looked like fun. So we pleaded and cried, and Brando hooked us up. The Sports Pack arrived quickly, more quickly than we expected, in fact. They were then put through a rigorous testing process, and now that we're the world's foremost experts* on these new accessories, we're gonna let you in on everything we learned. Check out the full review, along with loads of pictures, after the jump. *This is a shameless lie.
Brando's 2GB SOAP MP4 Player reeks of iPod
There's iPod knockoffs, and then there's the SOAP MP4 Player. This little gem unsurprisingly comes in black and glossy white flavors, boasts an unmistakable scroll wheel and stark white earbuds, and throws a few curves around the edges in a futile attempt to disclose its true inspiration. Furthermore, this device even rips a chunk of its name from another knockoff, providing two times the unoriginal fun, but sadly, we can't find a direct link to Samuel L. Jackson. Nevertheless, this 2GB PMP plays nice with MP3, MP4, WMA, WMV, ASF, and WAV, and features a built-in FM tuner / voice recorder, seven pre-set equalizer modes, USB 2.0 connectivity, 1.8-inch OLED display, rechargeable Li-ion battery, and support for a plethora of languages. So if you're looking to impress your clueless friends, or you just want a curvaceous 1G nano with a fancy screen a few extra niceties, you can pick this unit up now for $99.
3 nixes foreign roaming charges
Although providers around the globe have been doing away with those pesky roaming charges for some time now, not everyone has the luxury of yapping anywhere without a care in the world, but at least those loyal 3 customers out there can now. The newly-unveiled "3 Like Home" plan allows 3 customers to travel abroad and not face roaming charges when dialing out or receiving a call in a nation that 3 covers, which includes Hong Kong, Australia, Ireland, Sweden, the UK, Austria, Denmark, and Italy. Furthermore, SMS, video calling, and data services will be filed under the same principle, meaning no roaming fees altogether when using your mobile in a coverage area. Notably, the company states that users will still "face higher charges if they roam onto a non-3 network," but hopes that "the European Commission will be successful in reducing these wholesale charges, which will allow price reductions for customers roaming between different operators within Europe." We wonder if they can take a hint?[Via MobileBurn]
Features on the cheap: TIANYU's A699
Never heard of TIANYU? That makes two of us, but that doesn't mean we can't love the Chinese manufacturer's new touchscreen-enabled candybar just the same. The 220 x 176 display is subpar, the 1.3 megapixel cam perfectly average, and the 64MB of internal memory with microSD expansion merely ho-hum, but the integrated FM radio, A2DP, and touchscreen with Chinese character recognition are pretty nifty. And let's be honest: at $1280 HKD (about $165 USD) for the 13.5 millimeter candybar on the street, it's probably hard to go wrong.[Thanks, lionsense]
USB shaver keeps facial hair under control
While we actually gave away a shaver not too far back to help the, um, hygienically challenged out there, leave it to Brando to deliver the first shaver geeks will actually use. Joining the gazillion other oddities that sufficiently eliminate the "lonely USB port" syndrome, this bathroom necessity features a floating double-head system, "ultra thin outer foil," low power consumption, snazzy blue LEDs, a revolving USB plug, and an on / off switch. Completely rechargeable via your trusty USB port, this gives a new meaning to "portable shaving system," and gives you one more reason to just spend the night in your office versus fighting that awful rush hour traffic. So if you're looking to drop a not-so-subtle hint to that beastly friend of yours, you can wrap this sucka up for just $22.
Prada teams with LG to develop "new iconic phone"
While many of us might be satisfied with the low-end cellies that just handle the basics, there's apparently a hefty chunk of consumers on the other extreme, too. Joining D&G, Hulger, and Gresso (just to name a few) in the avant-garde phone realm, Prada is teaming up with LG Electronics to unveil a brand new (read: not rebranded) mobile in 2007. Although neither firm has leaked any prototype snapshots of the presumably pricey handset, we do know to expect a "unique, sophisticated and elegant phone" that'll sport an "advanced touch interface" to eliminate the traditional keypad. Moreover, the Prada touch doesn't end at the outside motif, as we'll see a dash of luxury in the packaging, software, user interface, music functionality, and overall design. As expected, this gem is slated to launch in Europe first ("early 2007"), while Asia / Korea should expect it shortly thereafter; unfortunately, there's no set date for an American release, but even we know it can't resist Hollywood for too long.[Via Textually]
SmarTone-Vodafone gets Toshiba TX80, TS32
The goodness coming out of Hong Kong's ITU Telecom World 2006 continues, and this time it's Toshiba flaunting the hardware. Their new TX80 and TS32 are both destined for Hong Kong's own SmarTone-Vodafone, and Toshiba seems pretty confident about the launches -- the senior VP of its mobile group even went so far to say that these are "just the phones that people in Hong Kong want and need." We're a little skeptical about the claim, though, seeing how the TS32 doesn't even do 3G, instead topping out with EDGE on the 900, 1800, and 1900MHz bands. Other features include a 1.3 megapixel cam, microSD slot, and Bluetooth in the buyer's choice of Lunar Graphite, Desert Gold, and Midnight Purple. The TX80 is the more exciting of the pair, bringing 3G data, dedicated music controls, and a more respectable 3.2 megapixel shooter. Both should be available now across Hong Kong, though we don't envision much of a rush for either phone. Sorry, Toshiba![Via I4U News]
Mobile WiMAX, HSUPA get spotlight at ITU Telecom World
LG and Samsung are using Hong Kong's ITU Telecom World 2006 as a platform for highlighting a couple technologies that, frankly, can't get here soon enough. It seems somehow appropriate that the Korean crosstown rivals are fighting for their share of the spotlight, parading HSUPA and Mobile WiMAX equipment -- both of which have the potential to shatter upstream speeds offered by the latest live technologies (HSDPA and EV-DO rev. A), while Mobile WiMAX also offers the tantalizing opportunity to pull upwards of 10Mbps down to you. While this isn't the first time we've seen either of these technologies in the wild, they're obviously becoming more ubiquitous at each and every trade show around the globe -- which means our dream of some day hosting Engadget Mobile on a cellphone grows ever closer.Read - LGRead - Samsung
Get a PS3 in Hong Kong (legally) for cheap!
You know, it's not everyday that you can knock $100 off of the US retail price on one of the hottest gaming systems in the world. But if you find yourself in Hong Kong on November 17th, you'll be able to legally acquire a PS3 (60GB) for HK$3,780 ($486), or if you prefer to wait until December, you can get a 20GB model for HK$3,180 ($408). Now if you're keeping score at home, our US MSRPs will be in the neighborhood of $600 and $500, respectively -- so Hong Kong's getting a substantial savings, for sure. So if you're going to be in the neighborhood and are planning on buying one, don't forget about your pals over at Engadget; we'll, like, totally be your bestest friend forever![Thanks, LM Chong]
PS3 to hit Taiwan, Hong Kong Nov. 17
The websites for Sony Hong Kong and Taiwan confirm that the Playstation 3 will launch in both territories on Nov. 17, the same day the system hits North America and six days after it hits Japan. Only the 60GB version will be available initially for NT$17,980 and HK$3,780 respectively, with the 20GB version coming in December for NT$14,980 and HK$3,180.Non-Japanese Asian markets tend to get systems much later than their brethren in the land of the rising sun -- both the Xbox 360 and DS Lite launched in Taiwan months after their Japanese counterparts. The quick launch is made more quixotic because of Sony's well-reported supply problems, which recently led the console-maker to scale back launch shipment projections in Japan to 80,000 units. Taiwan tech site DigiTimes quotes Sony Computer Entertainment Asia Managing Director Tetsuhiko Yasuda as targeting a million buyers in the region, but didn't indicate how long it might take to reach that number. [Thanks D123]
PS3's reallocated to Hong Kong and Taiwan
You guys implied it, now we supply it -- the news about the drop of PS3's allocated to Japan and the rumors of redistribution elsewhere. Related? Well, it's not a rumor anymore! On November 17th, the same day North America gets to try to get their hands on the PS3 (but about 12 hours sooner), so too will Hong Kong and Taiwan. The price? Well, conversion tables aside, the amount listed at the original article for the 60GB version is "NT$17,980" in Taiwan.How many are being shipped there? That information was not disclosed, but with the 20% cut in Japan's expected numbers and so short thereafter this announcement, it's safe to say that it's not going to be very many. Anyone want to take bets? SCE Asia managing director Tetsuhiko Yasuda has stated they plan to "attract a million buyers." Perhaps by the end of the year? Even so, good call for those of you who said something about this the other day. It is indeed true. Kudos. Hats off. We bow to you. Congratulations. Uh... any more congratulatory/flattering remarks?
Perfectel's Hello Kitty Skype phone
Hello Kitty is slowly, cutely, and cunningly infiltrating nearly every aspect of the technological realm, and yet we just keep succumbing to its overwhelming (albeit deceiving) innocent looks. While Hello Kitty phones certainly aren't new, the cuteness has seemingly made the jump to Skype, and while little is known aside from the manufacturer (Parfectel), hardcore Kitty fans probably won't care anyway. Sporting the token pink packaging and a typically untrustworthy "Plug and Play" label, the adorable handheld is accompanied a Skype software disc and feel good quotes. Curiously enough, the phone is slated to hit 7-Eleven stores throughout Hong Kong and Japan this week, and will run you just HK$128 ($17) -- if you outrun the fanboys (and girls), that is.
Keepin' it real fake, part XXXIV: iPod Universal Dock YesProduct
As if a Hong Kong-based auction taking payment in British pounds for one of these "iPod Accessaries" wasn't sketchy enough, this "YesProduct" comes with one "original sales package" that is "all brand new." We're still not sure if it'll accept the bevy of iPod ripoffs that we've seen over the past several months, but the eBay bidding starts at £8 ($15) if you want to find out. [Thanks, Anthony B.]
i.Tech's mobile SD DVR
Manually converting videos to play on your cellphone is often a pain in the neck -- so thankfully our friends in Hong Kong have come up with a way to solve this incessant problem: the mobile Digital Video Recorder. According to the company's site and Slashphone, you simply plug the mDVR into the television via three "CA AV" jacks (we're assuming that means composite) and presto, you're now able to record your favorite shows direct to an SD card that you can later pop into your Treo or the handset of your choice. We know, never been done before, right? And as you can imagine, this isn't really H.264 codec quality we're talking about here, but how many phones are great at playing that anyway? You get 3GP and H.263, at QCIF, CIF and QVGA resolutions -- and you'll like it In other words, it'll probably do the job -- assuming that at some point iTech lists the price and get some distribution channels lined up.[Via Slashphone]
SmarTone-Vodafone lights up 3.6Mbps HSDPA
Speaking of 3.6Mbps HSDPA equipment, Hong Kong carrier SmarTone-Vodafone has flipped the switch on what is apparently the world's first network-wide implementation of the boosted 3G standard. They're moving at a pretty good clip, too, considering that the 1.8Mbps setup that preceded it went live just this past June -- but even better, they intend to squeeze HSDPA for everything it's worth by 2008, taking the network all the way to its theoretical limit of 14.4Mbps downstream. We'd still be pleased as punch to see nationwide HSDPA at any speed in these parts, but it's encouraging to know that the hardware (and the optimistic attitude) necessary to push it to the max exists somewhere in the world.
QSST, new supersonic jet, will travel coast-to-coast in two hours
Many of us here at Engadget are, or at least wish we were, the jetsetting type. The type to constantly bounce around to Boston, San Francisco, Hong Kong and other exotic locales. We'd definitely appreciate being able to traverse the continent in two hours, and while our overloads, erm, friendly bosses might appreciate that, our accounting department probably wouldn't. And surely this new generation of supersonic flights, which will reach top speeds of Mach 1.8, aren't going to come cheap. According to Wired News, this new supersonic private jet, called QSST ("quiet supersonic travel") is in production by Lockheed Martin. The new jet sports a "patented inverted V-tail", which will reduce the sound of its sonic boom to less than a hundredth of the original Concorde, one of the reasons why it was met with limited success in the US. The QSST's current price tag of $80 million is still cheap by comparison to the first generation of Concorde jets, which cost $46 million in 1977 (nearly $150 million in 2005 dollars when adjusted for inflation). So save your pennies, kids, we'll be saving ours.
USB media reader now with Bluetooth, blinkenlights
From the city that brought us such delicious items like dim sum and old school Chow Yun-Fat movies, we now have what may be the most amazing memory card reader in history. In fact, one might even say that its card reading fu is better than yours. This reader supports 52 types of memory cards (switch 'em up every week!) and also features an integrated Bluetooth adapter. As you can see in the semi-annoying animated gif at right, it comes in "multi moody colours" -- is that like a mood ring?
Sharp ships SX633 to Hong Kong's SmartTone-Vodafone
Apparently Sharp likes its 705SH for Softbank Mobile enough to export the thin clamshell, though not before getting a name change. Apart from some minor cosmetic changes, the tri-band SX633 is a dead ringer for its Japanese cousin, ready to bring joy to the hearts of SmartTone-Vodafone customers willing to shed the asking price of $4,180 HKD -- a bit north of $500 USD. For the money, you get a 17mm-thick 3G clamshell with 2.2-inch QVGA internal and 72 x 12 external displays, and microSD support for when you fill that 20MB of internal memory to the brim, all in your choice of Black Opal, Pink Champagne, or Silver McIntyre. Doesn't quite seem to justify the coin; we'll pass. Er, we would if we were in Hong Kong, that is.[Via Ministry of Tech]
Another Nokia flagship opens its doors
Can't make it to Chicago? Moscow a little out of your way? Maybe Hong Kong is a little more to your liking. On its way to 18 flagship stores worldwide, Nokia has opened its third this week -- the first in Asia -- on Russell Street, Causeway Bay. The joint looks to fit the typical Nokia flagship mold, offering a big ol' variety of Finnish hardware and packing enough LCD firepower on its walls to show a novel's worth of text messages coming across the wire from its sister stores across the globe. Any HK residents care to give us the full rundown?[Via Mobiledia]
Engadget Chinese's Hong Kong reader meetup
Well wouldn't you know it? Last week Engadget China had a reader meetup of their very own out Hong Kong way. We really do wish we could have been there to hang out, but it looks like the situation was firmly in hand without us sad American sacks starting to wax poetic about how much we love our readers the world over. As always, much love for our Chinese colleagues and readership, we'll be seeing you real soon.Check out the Hong Kong escapades here, here, and finally, here.
