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Helio announces "Hybrid" 3G / WiFi service
A Boingo pass for when you're near a hotspot, EV-DO for when you're not. That's the gist of Helio's latest product, dubbed "Hybrid" -- only their third since launchingearlier this year -- and the first dedicated to data device from the MVNO (and among the first data devices from any MVNO, so far as we know). Technically, Hybrid is more of a package than an actual device, composed of a rebranded Sierra Wireless Aircard 580, EV-DO service, and WiFi access (provided by Helio pal and Sky Dayton venture Boingo, of course) with Helio's "Hybrid Connector" software calling the connectivity shots. Though the concept doesn't seem to go after the same core demographic as the MVNO's handsets, the $85 package deal could still be a compelling one for folks that maintain separate WiFi and 3G data accounts. Look for Hybrid to be available for a nice, round $0 on two-year contract through Fry's locations and Helio's site directly.
Unreleased Motorola ic502 iDEN / CDMA hybrid hits eBay
It may have just breezed through the FCC a few short months ago, but Motorola's yet-to-be-released ic502 iDEN / CDMA hybrid phone has already found its way to eBay -- although if the bidding activity is any indication, it doesn't look like Motorola will have much trouble meeting the demand for it. One bid was all it took to snag the hybrid handset, with the winning bidder throwing down an even $300 for the bragging rights. The lack of EVDO, not to mention Bluetooth or a camera, no doubt helped to dampen the anticipation among early adopters a bit, but if you're in desperate need of some hybrid action, the ic502's the only game in town.[Thanks, Sloop John B]
Warner develops HD DVD/Blu-ray/DVD hybrid disc
We were going about this the wrong way, but the mad scientists at Warner Studios have us covered. Instead of a dual format player, the high-def media war need the dual format disc they have been working on. Said disc is made possible thanks to Blu-ray's data layer being 0.1mm deep and HD DVDs layer a bit deeper at 0.6mm. Both formats use the same 405-nanometer wavelength so the trick is getting the lens to focus at the right layer and they are working on making the Blu-ray layer work like a two-way mirror by reflecting light for Blu-ray playback then letting just enough light penetrate for HD DVD playback. Normal DVD playback is achieved without smoke and mirrors by simply putting that layer on the other side. If they can get this to work the easy part is done and on to convince studio big wigs this is worth their licensing.[via Engadget]
Three's company: Warner patents all-in-one hybrid disc
Most studios have already picked a side in the HD DVD / Blu-ray war, but for the few still contemplating a near suicidal attempt at a simultaneous DVD, HD DVD and Blu-ray release, there's help on the way. A pair of Warner engineers have been working on a way to get all three formats to hold hands on a single disc, and have recently filed a patent to that effect. This is made possible by the fact that Blu-ray uses a 405nm laser to read its 0.1mm deep info layer, while HD DVD uses the same blue laser wavelength at the depth of 0.6mm. The hybrid disc works by making the Blu-ray layer act like a two way mirror, reflecting enough light for Blu-ray playback, but letting enough light through for HD DVD operation. As for DVD, that layer can be found on the flip side of the disc. Of course, the new format will cost more to produce than your standard next-gen disc, and we're not quite sure this isn't all madness to begin with, but we suppose we'll have to play the game if we don't want to end up buying every title in triplicate.[Via New Scientist]
First homebrew hybrid Blu-ray/HD DVD 'player'
We have a hard time calling this contraption a 'player' but by definition, it plays back both Blu-ray and HD DVD's and therefore, we digress; it is a player, just not a conventional set-top version. Basically, this computer is equipped with the NEC HD DVD drive from Toshiba's HD A1 set-top player (top drive) and the Sony internal PC Blu-ray drive (next one down) that made all those waves a few weeks back. Payback is made possible from the Japanese release of WinDVD 8 Platinum and is feed through Sapphire's HDCP-certified graphics card. Apparently everything runs smooth as silk (so says the owner) on the AMD 64 3200 powering the whole system dispite the fact that Cyberlink claims dual-core processors are necessary for any high-def media playback. In fact he claims the Blu-ray playback is better then the Samsung BD-P1000 set-top player. But here it is, the first hybrid Blu-ray/HD DVD player. Now, can someone please put the drives in a HTPC box so the whole thing doesn't look so nerdy.[Thanks for the tip Tyler]
IFA 2006: Pioneer NOT planning HD DVD / Blu-ray hybrid drive
Yet another claim of a coming dual-format HD DVD and Blu-ray player has now turned into yet another denial of an upcoming combo player. Pioneer has now stated to cdfreaks that previous reports of a coming BDR-103 were based on quotes "taken out of context" and gave the now-familiar "we have no current plans to do so" line when questioned about possible HD DVD support. "We have the technology" was all the excuse needed to rebuild The Six Million Dollar Man, why doesn't the same go for Blu-ray and HD DVD?
IFA 2006: Pioneer planning BDR-103 HD DVD & Blu-ray combo drive
Pioneer was among the first to release a Blu-ray burner with their BD-R101A, now they've announced two follow-up products, one of which will include HD DVD compatibility. The BDR-102 will add the CD compatibility that was missing from the in previous drive, although speed, connectors and other specifics are still up in the air. Finally the BDR-103 will add HD DVD support, but no specifics available there either. We're not too surprised, since reps from both camps have dismissed rumors that the licensing agreements precluded such a device, and we know the hardware is possible, but of course, we've seen these announced before. As soon as there is a release date -- and a price -- we'll be a bit more optimistic.[Via cdfreaks]
Pioneer planning BDR-103 HD DVD/Blu-ray combo drive
Samsung got our hopes up and then dashed them. Same with LG. But ever since Ricoh announced its "smart" blue laser diode that can recognize what type of disc has been inserted and adjust the beam accordingly, we've been cautiously optimistic that someone, somewhere would release a drive and / or player that reads / writes both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs, effectively mooting the so-called format war. Well, folks, it seem that glorious day may be close at hand, as Pioneer announced plans at Berlin's IFA to manufacture the BDR-103 combo drive (followup to its BDR-101 and upcoming, CD-writing BDR-102 Blu-ray-only burners). So far the company has released little information beyond this product's model number and its hybrid capabilities, but frankly, that glimmer of hope is all we really need to sustain us. We salute you, dear Pioneer, for attempting what so many others have tried and failed to do before; and if in fact you succeed, you will be remembered forever as the savior of HD lovers worldwide.[Via cdfreaks]
Motorola i880 crosses FCC borders
They wouldn't give us the much anticipated early peek at Motorola's i880 that we would have liked, but the FCC definitely did pass the phone through with a thumbs up. That, of course, indicates as always that the phone isn't long for the general market, even though by this point the original market that Sprint-Nextel envisaged a year ago that might be interested in a hybrid CDMA / iDEN device have probably moved on to a regular old CDMA (or -- gasp -- EV-DO) Sprint handset. Still, we know our place: they make 'em, we write about 'em.
EyeTV Hybrid
TV on a Mac is a foreign concept to most people, but EyeTV hopes to change that with the introduction of the minuscule (just a bit larger than an iPod Shuffle) EyeTV Hybrid USB TV tuner. Capable of receiving both digital (S-Video via an adapter) and analog (using the built-in coax plug or the included composite adapter) signals, the Hybrid can pick up regular run-of-the-mill standard standard definition TV, as well as up to 1080p HDTV over-the-air programming (if you have either a dual G5 or Core Duo). With that delicious combination of input options, I can hook up both my Xbox OR digital cable to my PowerBook, sit back, and relax. The EyeTV Hybrid goes for an extremely affordable $150. [via OhGizmo!]
Siemens VDO shows off eCorner motor-in-hub concept
We've seen various implementations of all these assorted next-gen car technologies that Siemens got ahold of for their new eCorner system, but they've managed to squeeze them all into a single wheel, creating quite an interesting system for use with fuel cell or hybrid cars. First off, there's an electronic motor integrated into the wheel hub, allowing for more efficient power use and independent rotation from the rest of the car. Next up is an active suspension system and Siemens' very own electronic wedge brake (EWB). Finally, the independent steer-by-wire function built into the wheel allows for some very interesting maneuverability. Siemens expect cars that would use such functionality to be common in 15 years or so, but we hope we don't have to wait that long for all the fun and power savings this system promises.[Via Autoblog]
Motorola i885 to join i880 on iDEN high end
If the i880 wasn't really doing anything for you when it surfaced in the wild, perhaps this here i885 will. Motorola's upcoming halo iDEN devices will see service on both Nextel and Boost, sporting pleather and faux snakeskin exteriors -- pick your poison -- and a trick button-operated flip mechanism. (If they're going to get creative with case designs on us, we can only hope they deep-sixed the standard Nextel "beep beep" while they were letting those creative juices flow.) Besides minor cosmetic differences, the phones' guts are presumably identical; both should be rocking 2-megapixel shooters, music players, and dual color displays. We're getting mixed reports on whether these are CDMA hybrids, but even if they aren't, the pair gives Nextel much-needed love in a market segment they aren't typically accustomed to servicing.[Via Mobile Magazine]
Saab goes double-green with biofuel hybrid
Not a whole lot of details to be getting on with here, but Saab has confirmed that they have plans to produce a vehicle based on their Bio Power Hybrid concept currently showing at the British International Motor Show. The vehicle combines the potential of E85, a fuel blend with 85% bioethanol from plants, with the further emissions reducing, power increasing and cost reducing perks of an electric motor. The hybrid's batteries replace the spare tire compartment in the car's trunk, and since the Bio Power Hybrid uses run-flat tires, there's essentially nothing lost in the trade-off. Saab's Bio Power models have been especially successful in Saab's home market of Sweden, mainly thanks to the large tax breaks they entail, but even while promising a hybrid within the next few years, Saab is clear that the feature won't come cheap.[Via MetaEfficient]
FCC lets ic502 out of the bag, first iDEN / CDMA phone
Nextelites saving your pennies for the i880, hold up just a minute. Deets are emerging on the ic502, and while it's not the highest-end phone around, you could be the first kid on your block packin' hybrid iDEN / CDMA heat. As usual, the FCC has done the honors, releasing the user's manual where we see that the ruggedized flip will support CDMA on the 1900 band only, iDEN on 800, and old-skool walkie-talkie on ISM 900; handoff between networks is not supported. Otherwise, not much to talk about -- no Bluetooth, no camera. On second thought, that i880 is looking pretty sweet, ain't it?[Via phoneArena]
Universal cuts HD DVD prices, announces two combo HD DVD/DVDs
Call it the Blu-ray effect. With the other high definition DVD format set to release in a few days, Universal is dropping prices on all their HD DVD releases from $34.95 to $29.95. Since retailers rarely sell the movies for the actual MSRP, we'll see what this translates to on store shelves and if when Blu-ray launches, it is actually cheaper than HD DVD.In the second bit of Universal HD DVD news, also from High Def DVD Digest, they are following Warner Bros. lead and releasing hybrid HD DVD/DVD discs. Their first releases on the format will be National Lampoon's Animal House and Unleashed. They will continue to be listed at $34.95. Looks like competition is benefiting the consumer already. We'll be a little happier when we see price drops on the hardware and more content available however. Also, will Warner drop the prices on their movies, and what about Paramount's indefinitely delayed titles?Read - Universal cuts prices on HD DVDRead - Universal schedules two combo HD DVD/DVD movies
Dell XPS M2010 reviewed
CNET's staff just strapped on their bionic suits and hoisted Dell's 20-pound XPS M2010 into the lab for a full, hands-on review. Calling this desktop/laptop hybrid a "striking feat of engineering" (that's a compliment, we think), the reviewer fawns over the M2010's premium components, bright 20-inch glossy display, and 8-speaker system with subwoofer which is said to deliver "rich, clear" audio and more low-end sound than any laptop he's seen. The guy's equally stoked by the magnetically held Bluetooth keyboard and gyroscopic Media Center remote which includes a small LCD screen for peeping music and video track details when not flittering the thing about to control the onscreen cursor. The M2010 also proved to be an "able gaming machine" though not the best. However, the M2010 is still "absurdly expensive" with a $3500 base config rocketing upwards to $8000 fully spec'd and the battery only lasted about 2-hours while the machine simply idled. Oh, and the pig is just too heavy to be truly portable thereby limiting its appeal. Still, if you're a smarmy sales type, LAN party trust-funder, or Ivy league media troll looking for a single all-in-one desktop / laptop / home stereo / TV(via optional USB tuner) then this hulk of Dell-icousness might be calling you home. [Thanks, Chris]
