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Makita intros giant rugged on-site AM/FM stereo
Japanese power-tool slinger Makita's new BMR100 Job Site Radio boasts a burly exterior to protect against "rough handling," is water-proof for up to 5 minutes in the rain, and features AM / FM radio technology, a backlit digital display, and two integrated 5W speakers -- not exactly the kind of tech treasure you'd expect to be outfitted for on-site performance. Think of this as the Toughbook of behemoth radios. But hey, even construction workers enjoy a few jams throughout the day, and conveniently enough, the stereo can be powered by either an AC adapter or cordless Makita batteries. Unfortunately, Makita opted to dismiss any kind of aux-in options -- a sure disappointment to the DAP-toting blue collar crowd. On the plus side, there'll be no worries about losing the 9.2-pound BMR100 in a pile of sawdust. [Via Akihabara News]
Olympus unveils VJ-10 clock radio, touts 37GB hard drive
Although the recording industry is making quite the stink around here about satellite radio receivers with internal storage, that's not stopping Olympus from kicking out a svelte clock radio with gobs of room for backing live broadcasts up. Granted, the VJ-10 only tunes into AM / FM transmissions, but the whopping 37GB internal HDD gives users the ability to store between 1,250 and 2,500 hours of footage based on quality into WAV files. Moreover, the USB 2.0 connector allows users to access the drive from any PC if you're looking to consolidate your radio and external storage, and the SRS WOW XT stereo speakers should provide decent office enjoyment as well. As expected, users can queue up recordings based on time, and thanks to the large integrated LCD screen, all the information you need will be front and center. Currently, the VJ-10 is slated to land in Japan on March 16th for the ever elusive "open price," but it looks like an English version will only be a fortnight or so behind.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Sony intros bevy of Bluetooth / A2DP-enabled stereo systems
Apparently Sony has hopped on the "more the merrier" bandwagon, as its steady stream of new kit continues to roll out. The latest set of releases sees a few new wireless boomboxes, presumably crafted for those who aren't keen on wrapping a set of Bluetooth-enabled cans around their dome in order to hear their tunes. The low-end CMT-BX5BT mini system touts wooden stereo speaker cabinets, an AM / FM tuner, built-in CD / MP3 disc player, ID3 tag support, external LCD, 15-watts of amplification, bass reflex system, 30 station presets, and a musical alarm clock to boot. The CMT-HX7BT ups the ante by adding satellite radio readiness and a 50-watt S-Master digital amplifier, while the flagship CMT-DH7BT packs all of the aforementioned niceties plus an integrated DVD player. Closing out the pack is the ZS-BT1 wireless boombox, which seems to be tailored more for portable / outdoor use considering its A2DP support, shuffle feature for CDs / MP3s, ten-key remote control, and Mega Bass technology. The CMT trio will all be available in April from $150 to $300, while the $150 ZS-BT1 won't land until August.[Via Pocket-Lint] %Gallery-1831%
Pure Digital's DMX-25 DAB mini system handles MP3 / WMA
While it had been a few ticks since Pure Digital gave you DAB listeners out there anything new to chew on, the Euro-based radio maker is back with yet another mini system designed to blast out tunes from the comfort of your living room. Encased in the firm's traditionally simple, classy design, the DMX-25 handles both DAB and FM signals and boasts dual 10-watt amplifiers, 4-inch mid-range drivers, 1.5-inch tweeters, scrollable text, RDS support, an LCD display, CD / MP3 / WMA compatibility, and two 3.5-millimeter line-in jacks for your DAP of choice. Furthermore, users will find the SD card slot and USB port handy for loading up flash-based media, and the wireless remote should keep you planted while scrolling through the stations. Still, all this functionality in such a decorative package won't exactly run you cheap, as you'll be ponying up £129.99 ($254) for this setup when it lands in April. [Via Digital-Lifestyles]
Radio Allergy delayed to March
Bad news for both of the people that preordered this one. O3 have delayed the US release of Milestone's shmup Radio Allergy until March 30th. The game, known as Radilgy in Japan, was released on the Gamecube in May of last year. We understand the delay-- shooting games have so much text to translate. Or maybe they didn't want to bring the game out in the midst of a busy Gamecube release season. Also (and this is what makes this news item explicitly appropriate for Wii Fanboy) O3 have deployed the "Rhythm Tengoku trick" in marketing their game-- there's a little "Wii Compatible" icon on the box. They might as well use every tactic they can think of; we get the feeling that selling a shmup for the Gamecube in 2007 is harder than, well, a certain kind of frantic videogame that is notorious for difficulty.We'd actually like to see the "Wii Compatible" tactic used by other developers to sell localized versions of obscure titles from the Gamecube back catalog at budget prices, but we think it would take a more popular game to start a trend. What do you think?
Sirius and XM set to merge?
Well, we can't exactly say that we didn't see this one coming, but for the deal to actually get inked would indeed be something special. According to the New York Post, Sirius and XM are all set to announce a merger deal after hammering out details all weekend long. Of course, it was noted that the somewhat shaky agreement "could fall apart at any time," and interestingly enough, both companies purportedly spent the majority of their (and their lawyers) time ironing out the good stuff while leaving "regulatory concerns" on the back burner. Unfortunately, those very issues could be insurmountable hurdles, as the typically stubborn FCC certainly has played hard ball with each company before, and having one overriding satellite provider with no competition in sight is ripe for monopoly arguments. Regardless, you won't find us complaining about a little Howard just a few channels down from Oprah, or a dash of MLB just a dozen notches from the NFL, but considering that gaining that oh-so-critical regulatory approval "could take up to 15 months," we wouldn't count on your lineup changing anytime soon no matter what.
All Games Interactive aftermath
I previously let everyone know that I'd be interviewed on All Games Interactive. Many thanks to anyone who listened. To those that had better things to do on a Friday night than listen to me talk about PSP, you can make up for that missed opportunity by checking out the show's archives. You can listen to the entirety of episode 251's six hour show, or if you specifically want to check out my portion of the show. You can download part B and my interview starts nine minutes and twelve seconds in. Scot and crew ask me about the failings of the PSP, the possibility of a God of War for PSP and how I landed a fiancee who is a hardcore gamer. I tried to keep the talk as interesting as possible and the professionalism of the AGI staff certainly helped me feel comfortable and have plenty to say. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Steven to appear on All Games Interactive
Today, I'll be interviewed on All Games Interactive about the PSP, this site and whatever other random topics arise. AGI is a live radio show, so anyone can listen by going to allgames.com and feel free to call in during the show or enter their live chat. Mayor Young has told me that I'll be on around 7:45PM ET/ 4:45PM PT though the show starts at 6:30PM ET/3:30PM PT, so feel free to listen in for the whole show. As a warning, All Games Interactive often uses potty language and has risque dialogue, so if you're still in training pants, you may not want to listen.
Strange family sues KDND-FM and employees for wrongful death
Yeah, you could see this one coming way back when the original tragedy actually happened, but after getting things all lined up, it seems that the family of Jennifer Lea Strange will be aiming for Sacramento-based KDND-FM, its parent company Entercom, and the employees associated with the whole "Hold your wee for a Wii" ordeal in a wrongful death lawsuit. Although on-air personalities claimed that the contestants signed "a release," that paper was apparently one that simply "granted the station permission to use the contest in its promotional materials," and the family lawyer believes that no waiver of liability was ever signed. Notably, the FCC has jumped into the investigation as well at the request of the family's attorney, as one of their suggestions is to have the station "taken off the air." Per usual, the lawsuit "seeks unspecified medical, legal, burial, and funeral costs," as well as presumably lofty sums of money to compensate for "other punitive damages," which we're fairly sure they'll end up receiving.[Thanks, Jason D.]
ESA unveils plans for satellite radio in Europe
While we Americans fight for our satellite radio rights, it looks like the Europeans are getting set to receive a bit of sky high radio entertainment themselves. The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced that with the help of a few select partners, it plans to launch the "multimedia car radio of the future," which looks to feature built-in satellite radio and generous timeshifting functionality to boot. The antenna, which will presumably be factory installed on select vehicles, will be a "flattened mobile antenna integrated into the bodywork," and will receive signals in the "Ku" frequency band used by existing communication satellites. Aside from not having to launch an understandably expensive array of equipment to get sat radio to Europe, the service also touts the benefits of timeshifting, noting that a "cache or hard drive-based system" will be included to pause and rewind transmissions, and it would even maintain a connection for short stops (like refueling) so you don't miss a moment of your favorite broadcast. Unfortunately, the ESA isn't spilling any hard release dates for this technology, but we can expect it to hit BMWs at the very least, and the prototype can be seen right now at the Noordwijk Space Expo in the Netherlands if you just happen to be around.[Via Orbitcast]
PopCatcher intros FM-ripping MusicDock MD-601
If the egg-shaped design of TimeTrax's TraxCatcher didn't do it for you, perhaps the retro stylings of PopCatcher's new MusicDock MD-601 will be more to your liking. It'll give you the same algorithm-enhanced FM radio recording of the TraxCatcher, chopping up the over-the-air broadcast into more manageable MP3s and automatically loading 'em up onto the docked (and included) 1GB MP3 player. Once the player's filled up, you can simply offload the tracks onto your computer via USB for transferring to the MP3-capable device of your choosing. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing or availability just yet, although PopCatcher is currently taking names and promising to let you know the minute you can get your hands on one.
Comprehensive guides for making your PSP a better MP3 player
There are many reasons why the iPod is so successful and popular. One of those reasons is simplicity: iTunes allows music listeners to sync the music on their computers and the music on their portables quite easily. The latest release, iTunes 7, allows album art and relevant track information to be downloaded automatically. Kingbee116 from the PlayStation forums has come up with a solution for PSP owners, using software called MediaMonkey. This iTunes-like program will allow your PSP to become a better MP3 player, and will ensure that your songs feature album art when they play back on your PSP. Get detailed, step by step instructions at the PlayStation forums.Of course, the PSP has one feature that the iPod currently doesn't have: built-in wi-fi. Kingbee116 has yet another incredibly detailed guide which shows you how to make the most out of your PSP's RSS feature. With his tutorial, you'll be able to stream internet radio wherever you have a wi-fi connection. Certainly, his tutorial will go quite handily with our newly launched feature, RSS this![Thanks, Kingbee116!]
Alpine offers up KCE-300BT Bluetooth Interface Module for in-car head units
Alpine's got a fine streak going with regard to integrating consumer electronics into its snazzy head units, and now it's continuing the trend by offering up a do-it-all Bluetooth Interface Module. The KCE-300BT accessory acts as a bantam liaison between your Bluetooth-enabled handset and that brand new Ai-NET-compatible stereo, giving users the ability to hold handsfree conversations sans wires or complicated installations, and also allowing A2DP / AVRCP-compliant mobiles to stream tunes and control playback functions. Co-developed with Motorola to work specifically with Alpine's 2007 lineup of Ai-NET head units, it's possible this module would actually work with other BT-enabled units not manufactured by Alpine, but we're not so sure we'd press our luck. Anyways, the interface also allows users to peep caller ID information, missed / dialed calls, and on certain high-end units, you can even scroll through your address book, which we're certain is exactly what everyone around you on the freeway hopes you're eyes are glued to. Regardless, Alpine's KCE-300BT can add another dash of utility to your otherwise average in-dash media player next month for a (slightly steep) $220.[Via BlueTomorrow]
JVC kicks out KD-NX5000 in-dash HDD navigation / DVD head unit
As we overheard yesterday during JVC's live press conference, the company has unveiled a single-DIN in-dash solution for navigation and DVD / CD playback. The multifaceted KD-NX5000 sports a sleek, black motif with quite a busy faceplate, which is packed with a 3.5-inch LCD screen, volume / track controls, blue backlights, and nearly half a dozen logos. Crammed within the narrow enclosure is a 40GB hard drive with 15GB reserved for maps / navigation functions and 25GB for music / media. On the navigation side, it sports built-in real-time traffic, maps of North America and Virgin Islands, 13 million POIs, and a remote control to (partially) keep your eyes on the road. On the stereo side, it plays back DVDs, CDs, DivX, MPEG 1/2, and even displays JPEG photos, but it can also rip CDs straight the HDD and can receive tunes from Bluetooth-enabled DAPs / iPods with appropriate adapters. So if you're satisfied with keeping your current ride, and don't want to cramp its style by installing one of those unsightly in-car mounting kits, you can shove a navigation system in your dash next month for $1,199.95.[Via NaviGadget]
Timex intros diminutive Ti700 iPod alarm clock
It's no secret that quite a few companies are jumping in the iPod speaker system / alarm clock game, but you know the market's saturated when Timex dives in. Sporting a slim, travel-friendly silver and black enclosure, the Ti700 rocks a blue-backlit LCD, twin alarms, AM / FM tuners, nine station presets, and even a nine-button wireless remote to control the action from afar. Of course, Timex isn't exactly the king of audio, so you'll be relying on a single (likely subpar) driver to belt out the jams, but you can plug in other audio devices via the aux in jack if you leave your 'Pod behind. No word just yet on pricing and availability, nor if it'll be setup beside the bargain watch display at your favorite retailer.
BMW offers up HD Radio in its entire fleet of 2007 vehicles
Yeah, we're still anxious to find out what this bizarre looking thing is too, but BMW is making waves again, and this time it's crowning itself as the first automaker to offer HD Radio receivers as a factory-installed option on its entire fleet of vehicles. Yep, this spring you'll be able to get HD Radio loud and clear without yanking the factory head unit on the 2007 BMW 3-, 5-, 6-, or 7-Series model, as well as the firm's X3, X5, and Z4. The company also noted that its receivers would support HD Radio multicasting, and stated that the option would cost folks a cool $500 if they deem it worthy.
The Cloud offers UK PSP users radio access via WiFi
While Sony's PSP hasn't seen all of the bizarre add-ons and proposed features become reality, there are quite a few that have indeed been realized, and just in case those PSP Spot downloads aren't keep you blokes in England happy, we've got one more reason that it pays to tote around that handheld. The Cloud, a major wireless hotspot provided in Europe, has teamed up with Channel 4 Radio to deliver 4Radio programming to PSP users via WiFi. Purportedly launched to coincide with the beginning of Celebrity Big Brother, PSP users who come into a Cloud coverage area will have access to a special link on the browser's landing page that will connect them to the radio content free of charge, but browsing other sites will unfortunately require you to pony up for the convenience. Moreover, users can even access and download 4Radio podcasts, so you won't miss a single show for the rest of, um, the next two months, as that's when this svelte promotion is (sadly) scheduled to cease.[Thanks, Jake]
iLuv kicks out Bluetooth-enabled i277BLK / i199BLK iPod stereo clocks
It may not be iHome, but iLuv's done a thing or two with DAP-docking alarm clocks that other firms just have to respect, and the company's latest duo even includes Bluetooth for that cordless approach we so adore. The i277BLK (pictured after the break) features an LCD display, docking cradle for your dock-connecting iPod, built-in track / volume controls, AM / FM tuners, digital clock with dual-function alarms, wireless remote, AV output, dock adapters, twin three-watt jAura speakers, and an A2DP-compliant BluePin audio transmitter / receiver to receive tunes from any BT-enabled device or listen in with your Bluetooth headphones. The i199BLK ups the ante by including a CD / MP3 disc player, USB port for thumb drive input, ID3 tag support, and a larger, more descriptive LCD panel. Both options should be available this March, and while the i277BLK will set you back $149.99, the more featured i199BLK will demand a cool $229.99.Read - iLuv i277BLKRead - iLuv i199BLK
Channel 4 streams content to UK PSP owners
British commuters are getting access to a very cool new feature ... provided that they have PSPs. Channel 4, the edgiest television station in the UK, will offer streaming programming for PSP owners at one of 7,500 wi-fi locations owned by Cloud. Nathalie Schwarz, director of Channel 4 Radio, said: "Becoming the first broadcaster to make radio content available wirelessly on PSPs will help 4Radio connect with a young, mobile audience, making our programming easily available whenever and wherever they want."It's expected that this service will expand to offer full television shows, such as the new Celebrity Big Brother (pictured above).[Via Times Online]
Teclast kicks out sleek C260 do-it-all for Chinese market
Teclast is keeping things fresh with its latest style-conscious DAP / PMP / gaming handheld, the C260. Joining the growing fray of Chinese all-in-one wonders, this sexy machine boasts a 3.15- x 1.85- x 0.39-inch enclosure, 2.4-inch QVGA touchscreen, landscape layout, built-in FM radio tuner, audio input for recording, headphone jack, USB 2.0 connectivity, and eight pre-loaded equalizer functions. Aside from playing nice with MP3 / WAV on the audio side, it also reportedly supports XviD, DivX, and AVI on the video front, while displaying JPEG slideshows and simple text files on the side. Additionally, it purportedly features some sort of "gaming" functionality in case the tunes loaded on your microSD card get stale. So if you've been craving a do-it-all device that remarkably resembles LG's Chocolate handset, the 1GB C260 should be hitting the Chinese streets soon for just 399 CNY, or about $51.[Via AVing]
