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Neo hands-on with MWC lineup
UK and Dubai-based neo is at MWC this week with a collection of handsets giving us a peek into the now and what the company plans for the future. We take a few minutes with neo's Senior VP, Amjad Ali as he walks us through the ins and out of the tiny 808i, the neo Ellipse, the neo Steel, neo Flip, and the up and coming neo 909. The Ellipse and the 909 are the standouts in the group, what with the really slick design of the Ellipse and the potential Androidness and maybe even 3G coming to the potential redesign of the 909. These sets all live in Asian markets now and that's well reflected in the pricing and features, but we're always enthused to see folks making a solid effort to bring something interesting to the lower-end market. Follow on for a gallery of the sets and a video hands-on interview.%Gallery-45175%
Intel's CULV platform guns for AMD's Neo: Danger Will Robinson, Danger!
Poor, poor AMD. Just when it found a niche above Atom and below the Core 2 Duo with its Athlon Neo, back comes Intel with its new "Consumer Ultra-Low Voltage" platform -- something we started to hear about a few weeks ago. This from DigiTimes' "sources at notebook makers." New CULV-based ultra-portables from the "top-three notebook vendors" (that'd be HP, Dell, and Acer by most accounts) should be hitting shelves in the second quarter of 2009 carrying prices between $699 and $899. DigiTimes claims that the new platform will allow Intel to divide the laptop market up into four segments for 2009: 1) Traditional 12.1-inch laptops and above, 2) Atom or Pineview-based netbooks, 3) Menlow-based MIDs, 4) Ultra-portables with displays between 11.x and 13.3-inches. It's also interesting to hear that the rumored 13.3-inch HP Mini-note coming in June will carry the CULV instead of the Atom Zxx on "Intel's insistence." Well, well, being pushy again are we Intel?
AMD kinda sorta takes aim at Atom with Athlon Neo
And here you thought AMD's 45-nm Conesus was its next generation netbook / ultra-portable processor. Sorry, for that you'll have to wait until the beginning of the second half of 2009 according to Bahr Mahony, Director of AMD's mobile division who we just spoke with here at CES. Instead, AMD's Athlon Neo ultra-portable platform built around existing 65-nm processes is scheduled to make its retail debut in the US in March. Remember, AMD won't be challenging Intel in a race to the bottom so Neo is aimed squarely at that soft, chewy marketshare nestled between the underperforming $499 netbook and over-the-top $1,499 ultra-portable. Neo boasts more processing power than Intel's 45-nm Atom at the cost of a higher load on your battery thanks to the 35W thermal envelop of the Neo chipset combined with a discrete, ATI Mobility Radeon Hd 3410 graphics. The result however is what AMD calls balanced performance from ultra-thin notebooks capable of smooth 1080p playback of your HD media -- a feat that Atom-based netbooks saddled with integrated graphics struggle with. Interesting, now let's see the 3rd party benchmarks. AMD's data versus the Atom posted after the break.
Neo's minuscule 808i fashion phone finally gets hands-on treatment
Don't get upset with us, but we were literally this close to completely forgetting about Neo's diminutive 808i. We mean, it was introduced in December of 2006 -- a lot (lot!) has happened in the mobile space since then. All that being true, we're still elated to see that this little gem hasn't fallen off of the map completely, with our brethren over at Engadget Chinese scoring some hands-on time with a cute pinkish one. Specs wise, it was packing a tri-band GSM radio, microSD card slot, a battery good for just two hours of talking, FM radio, Bluetooth and USB 2.0 connectivity. The 0.55-inch thick mobile is being offered up for HK$1,380, or about $178 in greenbacks. Check the read link for a few more images.
WoW Moviewatch: Because of You
Over the next couple of days, we're going to dig deep into the archives of WoW machinima, thanks to our dear readers. I never thought I'd end up featuring anything with Kelly Clarkson music in the background, but this movie is in the same vein as Here Without You. Those that were around for that tearjerker may not be as impressed with Because of You, but it's still powerful nonetheless.Where the former involved a man taking revenge for his woman, the latter has it the opposite way. Dating back to October 2006, this little story is about a lady that will go to the depths of hell to avenge her fallen man. This seems to be a popular format for machinima, as it's been repeated in almost every serious plotline movie out there in the last few years. However, if you're a big sap and enjoyed the movie like I did, check out the higher quality version.[Thanks, Kerry!]If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
OpenMoko FreeRunner launch imminent, $399 a pop
OpenMoko's first model, the Neo1973, has been sold out for some time now -- a testament to the popularity of the open-source phone concept, yes, but also a huge pain in the rear for new folks looking to get in on the action. That drought is thankfully about to end, though, with the introduction of the FreeRunner, a refreshed model that carries over the best parts of the Neo (think VGA touchscreen) while adding a few key features like three-axis motion detection and a faster processor. The group has just announced pricing on the latest model, and it comes in at a very consumer-friendly $399 -- unlocked, naturally -- which should allow a whole new group of hackers and Joe Regulars to join in the Linux free-for-all. Anyone needing ten or more will get an even better deal: $369, to be exact. It looks like the company's studying production samples right now, and if all goes well, we'll still see them in the pipe before the month's out.[Via PHONE Magazine]
OpenMoko prepping second handset for March or April unveil?
Without going into too much detail, Digitimes reports that OpenMoko president Sean Moss-Pultz has promised a new version of its Neo1973 open source handset to be unveiled somewhere in the next couple months, making both CeBIT and CTIA distinct possibilities for the big news. Given the scarcity of specifications here, it's entirely possible Moss-Pultz is referring to the retail version of the FreeRunner -- a phone we saw in very, very early form at CES -- but obviously, if we had our druthers, we'd much rather see another volley of brand new hardware come out of this. More news on this as we get it.
Neo looking to expand to new markets in 2008
Dubai's Neo, the manufacturer behind the "world's smallest fully featured mobile phone," says that it's looking well beyond its domestic horizons for the new year. It seems the company has secured certifications from several of the key regulatory agencies around the world, including the FCC -- though it's not clear whether they're for the original 808i or for three new handsets promised by the end of 2008 -- and intends to go global inside of two months. The next model on the Neo docket will be the "Ellipse," an elliptical (surprise, surprise) phone with WiFi, touchscreen, a 4 megapixel cam, and media player; sell this in the US and keep it the same size as the 808i, and these cats may just have a market niche carved out for themselves; they'll be at MWC, so with any luck, we'll get a little look-see at it then.[Via MobileTechNews]
Hands-on with FIC's OpenMoko-powered FreeRunner
So this is a really early version of the FreeRunner, but mad love to FIC for bringing it out for us all to play with nonetheless. The first thing you'll notice is that it's still sporting its predecessor's "Neo1973" branding, an indiscretion we were promised would be put to bed prior to the scheduled spring launch to OpenMoko's developer community. Anyone used to toting a smartphone of average size could totally get used to carrying the FreeRunner around, which we think is probably key to the device's success outside the enthusiast community. The current build of the software, though, is another matter entirely -- it's in a pretty raw alpha state right now and hugh swaths of core functionality appear to be missing. Then again, they've got a few good weeks until spring, and even then the FreeRunner will find its way into hackers' hands before the masses; they've got some solid-feeling, solid-spec'd hardware here and we're still really hopeful that the final product is going to rock.%Gallery-13085%
OpenMoko to unveil consumer-minded Neo FreeRunner
So far, OpenMoko's Linux-based open source phones have amounted to little more than a twinkle in the eye of Joe Consumer, instead getting fast-tracked into the hands of developers who hope to make the whole package stable and functional enough for the average buyer to give a flip by the time they're widely available. We'd say that's a solid policy -- especially if these guys hope to fight the oncoming Android steamroller -- and the next volley is about to get fired in the form of the "Neo FreeRunner." The spiritual successor to the original Neo1973 (pictured), the FreeRunner is being billed as a "compelling mass market device" thanks to some key additions: WiFi, motion sensors, a faster 500MHz processor, and 3D graphics acceleration. OpenMoko's previewing the phone at CES next week with shipments following on to developers in the spring in two triband GSM versions, one with North America-friendly 850MHz and the other with 900MHz. Consumer sales are expected to happen after that (shortly after that, hopefully) once the dev community blesses it with solid code.
Dash Express powered by OpenMoko's neo open-source hardware platform
We're already pretty high on the Dash Express, but the company sweetened the pot a little this morning by announcing that the unit is based on OpenMoko's Neo open-source hardware platform. The Dash Express is first commercial product to use the OpenMoko GT0X reference platform, which is an updated version of the hardware in OpenMoko's open-source Neo 1973 mobile phone. As you'd expect, the Dash Express also uses OpenMoko's Linux bootloader and kernel, but the Dash GPS software itself is apparently still proprietary. The love doesn't stop there, either: OpenMoko and parent company FIC Mobility actually helped design the Dash Express hardware, and FIC is going to handle manufacturing as well. All in all, a pretty solid win for the OpenMoko / Neo system -- let's hope it's a sign of even more good things to come.
The Soloist: Why I do it
After this post, I had it in mind to think through why I prefer to solo, and whether the reasons why are valid ones, given that I'm playing in a genre meant to provide a social experience. I'm going to try to list as many reasons as I can think of in favor of grouping and playing with buddies, and provide a counter-argument if I can. Bear in mind, this is not me telling you that you should go solo; this is just me trying to 1) explain why I do it, and 2) understand for myself whether my reasons hold water.Enough said; excelsior!
PSP gets a motion sensor for mad homebrewing
We can only imagine what this currently useless piece of technology can do for the homebrew scene. A PSP manufacturer known as Neo has created a motion sensor you can click onto your lovely handheld, but you'd have to have the old PSP -- this thing won't work on the PSP-2000. It's available now, but finding it for sale is a bit more than a challenge. Maybe it's a prank, but we don't think so. A lot of weird do-it-yourself devices and softwares are out there for the PSP, after all.So what would homebrew people make with this motion sensor? After a lengthy brainstorming section (waiting for coffee to drip), we decided the coolest use of the motion sensor would be a game where you play the leader in a majorette band and you have to throw the PSP into the air, making sure to twirl it a certain number of times before you catch it. If you miss catching it, you lose. For real. That would be a hardcore game, but like with a lot of motion sensing things, you might as well just go outside and do something.[via Engadget]
Neo's new PSP motion sensor
Apparently, a PSP peripheral manufacturer called Neo has come up with a novel -- if somewhat useless (currently, at least) -- add-on for the handheld game system: a motion sensor. It's unclear right now what the possible uses for the sensor might be, and frankly, if it's something like an accelerometer, or a light sensor, or some other, cooler, more funky sensor we haven't thought of yet. There is one thing we can tell you for sure: it won't work on your PSP slim. Apparently, the device is aimed at home-brewers and DIY'ers -- and we're pretty sure they'll find something interesting to do with the thing. The company says it's available now, but we couldn't locate the little guy, or its price... so good luck.[Via MAXCONSOLE]
DigitalSpace shows off proposed asteroid mission plans
It's already considered sending various types of robots to asteroids, but NASA apparently still has plenty more plans for dealing with near-Earth objects (or NEOs), with it recently asking Santa Cruz-based DigitalSpace Commons to develop a simulation for a manned mission. The company's plans, officially unveiled today, are based on NASA's own Constellation exploration crew vehicle, which the space agency developed for lunar missions but says can be modified for trips to NEOs. As CNET reports, DigitalSpace's planned modifications include a system that would anchor the spacecraft "like a boat in a harbor," along with a ring of sensor-equipped airbags that would detect stability on the ground. While NASA isn't saying exactly when it might attempt such a mission, DigitalSpace says it believes one could be done as soon as 2017.
Renaissance Learning intros NEO 2 "laptop"
Renaissance Learning seems to have decided it was time to update its AlphaSmart-branded Neo portable word processor, with the company today rolling out the new and improved Neo 2. While it's virtually identical to the plain old Neo (seen above) on the outside, the Neo 2 does boast a few notable additions on the inside, including two-way wireless RF communication for classroom participation (which'll also allow for wireless printing), as well as a couple of new software programs. Otherwise, the Neo 2 boasts the same design and the same 5.75 x 1.5-inch monochrome LCD as the original Neo. No word yet on what it'll cost, although it'll apparently be "competitively priced" when it rolls out in late August.
SNK president talks about Neo-Geo and online games [Update 1]
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Nintendo_not_letting_publishers_add_online_functionality_to_games'; Ben Herman, who runs SNK Playmore USA, is almost as excited about Neo-Geo games on the Virtual Console as we are. In a recent interview, he discussed SNK's VC plans and Nintendo's operation of the system in general.According to Herman, who, of course, can't give details, SNK expects to release "a certain limited number of titles per month," which is enough to have us cheering, because that's a lot more than the N64 is getting. It's also a much brisker release schedule than the Neo-Geo ever had. The best news, in our opinion? Herman is interested in the Virtual Console as a means of releasing lesser-known and niche games. SNK isn't sure yet whether the Neo-Geo games on the VC will be the AES home versions or the MVS arcade cartridges. We had no idea there was a difference! Of course, there has to be bad news, and it's kind of big: Herman says that Nintendo is not letting publishers add online functionality to games, VC or retail, and probably will continue this restriction throughout 2007.Herman goes on to talk about Nintendo's console library, saying that Nintendo has all of the code for third-party NES and SNES games and needs only permission to release them. Which means Konami officially has no excuse for the fact that we haven't played Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse on the Wii yet. Konami, you're on notice![Update: added the sad, sad news about online games.]
Japanese Virtual Console gets two new systems
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Japanese_Virtual_Console_gets_two_new_systems'; Japanese Wii owners are quite the lucky folk, as word hit today that the Wii's Virtual Console service in Japan will be getting games for the NEO GEO and MSX systems. Games for those systems will be available to Japanese consumers come this Spring, so there is still a bit of waiting. No word has hit on whether these systems' games are going to be available to Virtual Consoles outside the region, but we hope that's the case as it could pave the way for more systems to appear on Nintendo's digital downloading service.[via CVG; thanks prof-KOS!]
Neo intros diminutive 808i handset for Middle East / Europe
There's no shortage of wee sized mobiles out there to test the longevity of our poor eyes, but the "UK- and Dubai-based" startup, dubbed Neo, is adding yet another option to the mix. While we admire the shiny Photoshop job seen above, the company has reportedly assured us all that the miniscule 808i will see the light of day in "March 2007." Admittedly, the specs aren't too far-fetched (unlike some yet-to-be-produced handsets out there), as it touts tri-band compatibility, a color LCD, Bluetooth, 1.3-megapixel camera, MP3 / MP4 playback, 128MB of flash memory, and a microSD slot. At a glance, the nifty bar atop the mobile bears resemblance to some of Sony Ericsson's offerings, but the 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.3-centimeter enclosure and 90-gram weight sure stands out. If all goes "as planned," the 808i should hit the Middle East just a few months into 2007, with Europe getting it soon after.[Via RegHardware]
Maxian goes Matrix with the D900 "Neo" PMP
We're not really sure what kind of PMP Keanu Reeves would have sported in the Matrix films had he not been so busy saving the world and stuff, but we're almost sure that he would have eschewed the Maxian D900 "Neo" in favor of a model with some internal storage capacity -- after all, we didn't see a lot of SD cards laying around Zion. For those of you with readier access to flash memory, however, the 4.3-inch Neo might be just the player you've been looking for, what with its 800 x 480 pixel resolution, 400:1 contrast ratio, and 200 cd/m² brightness. You're also getting a built-in DMB tuner, Burr Brown DAC, built-in speakers, and a kickstand; and because this device is powered by WinCE 5.0 and features an 802.11b/g radio, we assume that you can do the email / web browsing thing as well. As far as codec support goes, there's WMV, DivX, XviD, MPEG-2, and H.264 on the video side and MP3, OGG, FLAC, and APE on the audio tip. Unfortunately, there's not much chance that you'll see Neo tearing it up at your local electronics store, but if you simply must own a device named after a Matrix character, HTC's Trinity may help fill the void.[Via DAPreview]
