MediaSystem
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FUZE Media Systems software goes OEM
Don't call it a comeback Media Center -- no seriously, don't call it a Media Center, they don't like that, call it "the system that delivers on the promises of Media Center" -- soon you'll be able to get FUZE's media system software via other manufacturers. According to CEPro, they're negotiating with "a number of other companies" to put FUZE software on multimedia devices to work with web based audio control, v2 Media Center Extenders and more. Until now the only way to get the company's software into your house is through a custom installer, and it's not giving up that market, but expect a new, broader opportunity to get FUZE Media Systems once the agreements are done later this year.
FUZE Media Systems' CEDIA booth tour
Looks like that elusive FUZE whole-home media system is veiled no more, as our early-bird trip to CEDIA 2007 landed us smack dab in front of FUZE's booth. Of course, the whole shebang wasn't powered on just yet, and there were no representatives there to talk us through it, but that's why pictures are worth a thousand words, right? We kept it short and sweet, but on display was the FuzeTunes Controller, FuzeBox HTPC (built by Velocity Micro), a couple of FuzeMini thin clients, and a pair of FuzeTouch touchscreens to boot. Check out the gallery below for more.%Gallery-6968%
Bose drops off Media System, Ferrari at FCC headquarters
Typically when you want your device tested by the FCC, you have to send over a real-world production unit so its radio emissions and communications capabilities can be tested in under (confined) real-world conditions. However, and maybe we're being just a little paranoid here, unlike Bose we probably wouldn't send over our gear housed in a $250,000 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. Actually, we can understand the need to impress the government organization that can make or break most any gadget's release, so if Bose did indeed send over its test sample Media System in a Scaglietti, as it appears they did, we can only hope those rough and tumble FCC testers returned it without so much as a scratch -- the Media System that is. Oh yeah, a few new details about the incoming in-dash nav system: it organizes and knows what's up with your media by using Gracenote and AMG's (All Media Guide) media metadata tech, and it uses maps by Navteq. Oh yeah, and one little bit they left out of the initial press release -- it tunes television. Not that you should be watching while driving, but if you pull an Erikkson with your Ferrari trying to catch the latest ep of Heroes, we are so going to laugh at you.
Bose Media System crams GPS / media playback into your dash
Although Bose has become somewhat of a mainstay in the iPod speaker / overpriced headphone departments, the always controversial firm is kicking out a new device suited for your vehicle's dash. The simply-named Bose Media System head unit looks to replace that entirely antiquated cassette player you're still using, and offers up a solid mix of abilities all the while. Aside from the obvious navigation and CD playback functions, the universal player will also handle SACD, DVD-A, MP3, and AAC files burned onto a CD / DVD-R, and can also tune into XM (and Sirius?) broadcasts when not locked onto AM / FM transmissions. You'll also be graced with 5.1 playback, the uMusic mood-sensing system, proximity control sensors, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, USB 2.0 input for portable media access, and in typical Bose fashion, a mysteriously sized hard drive that reportedly holds "up to 200 hours" of content. Of course, don't expect Bose to divulge any details regarding wattage, screen specifications, or any other tidbit that could be helpful in weighing your in-dash options, but folks eying the forthcoming Ferrari 612 Scaglietti can expect it to debut in their ride for a currently undisclosed price.
