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Toshiba kicks out its own 4GB microSDHC card
Oh, Toshiba. Usually we wouldn't react too kindly to jumping in the game nearly half a year late, but considering just how rare these 4GB microSDHC cards still seem to be, we'll give you a pass on this one. Sure enough, Tosh is finally ready to unleash its wee 4GB microSDHC card on the world, and besides guaranteeing sustained write rates of up to 4Mbps, it also promises write speeds of nearly 6Mbps. No word on pricing details as of now, but considering that these should be hitting (a few) shelves come next month, you won't be waiting too much longer in tense anticipation.[Via Tech-On]
Datel PowerSaves: Playing in Easy Mode
Have you gotten so bad at playing video games that you've actually managed to have your character die in Wii Sports: Golf? Has it gotten to the point where you need some sort of "infinite lives" code just to finish a course? Well then, that is pretty shameful. Datel's PowerSaves 512MB SD cards helps you live with that shame, giving you access to hundreds of cheats. Many of the saves on the $24.99 card have been hacked to enable features and codes that developers never even intended for their games. To sweeten the deal, Datel has also bundled in its MAX Media Manager Pro software to help users organize and transfer their photos, videos, and music to their consoles. You'll be the envy of all your friends when they see the effortless life you've made for yourself. Just like you've always wanted.
Samsung develops 8GB microSD card
Wow, it seems like we were just marveling over the introduction of the world's first 8GB SD card a few moons back. Ah, that's right, we were. Alas, Samsung took it to heart that SD doesn't cut it for your average cellphone (they run a bumpin' mobile business, after all), announcing that it has managed to pack a full eight gigabytes into the microSD form factor for mid-2008 production. That's particularly timely considering that 4GB examples haven't even gotten into widespread circulation yet -- "8GB" just has a nicer ring to it -- not to mention that the new card handily surpasses SDHC guidelines with 16MB/s reads and 6MB/s writes. For the record, a microSD card rocks a little over 20 percent of the surface area of its SD counterpart, so does this mean we can expect 40GB SD cards, like, now? Not quite.
Motorola set to unveil video-optimized handset
Speaking at this week's Software 2007 gathering in California, Motorola CEO Ed Zander took a break from his company's woes and struggles to share the news that Moto's got a rather exciting new phone waiting in the wings. Details were slim -- the phone was apparently just mentioned in passing as part of the speech -- but the as-yet-unnamed handset is said to be video-centric, capable of a solid 30 frames per second for enjoying movies via SD card. Like other hot Motorolas in recent memory, Zander indicated that it'd be slated for a European release when it's officially announced next week. Any guess as to what the four-letter MOTONAME for this one might be?
Inax's Satis Asteo Washlet toilet: pre-loaded with classical tunes
While there's certainly a market for techtoilets out there, Inax is apparently hoping that all interested john owners haven't already snapped up a Toto or Brondell, as its Satis Asteo Washlet doesn't do much to stand out. The musically inclined lavatory sports the obligatory SD slot, built-in stereo speakers, and an automatic lowering / lifting mechanism, but one interesting aspect of this iteration is the tunes that apparently come pre-loaded. While the translation is admittedly sketchy, Inax appears to have a number of classical pieces from the likes of Bach, Chopin, and Mendelsohn ready to rock, presumably to drown out less than pleasant ambient noises when you forget your own MP3-stocked SD card. Furthermore, the device can reportedly detect whether you'd prefer the lid up or down (saywha?) and the built-in nightlight should prevent any early morning surprises when sleepwalking into the restroom. Inax's latest toilets are available right now for those in Japan, and will set you back anywhere from ¥55,333 ($467) to ¥87,333 ($737), depending on model.[Via Core77]
FCS2 page hints at pending QuickTime 7.1.6 update
Many of Apple's media apps rely on QuickTime in one way or another, so it probably comes as no surprise that a Final Cut Studio 2 announcement means we'll see at least a slight QT update to bring everything up to speed. Sure enough, eagle-eyed TUAW readers have caught QuickTime 7.1.6 listed on the System Requirements page for FCS2. Though a minor upgrade that is probably filled with compatibility updates, it is also likely to include that fancy new Apple ProRes 422 codec (who names this stuff?) which supposedly offers uncompressed HD quality footage with SD file sizes. That's a pretty tall claim to fill, but we'll have to wait for the reports to roll in on whether Apple delivers on the promise.Regardless, it's a pretty obvious bet that QuickTime 7.1.6 will soon be coming to a Software Update near you.Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Kingston unveils flash storage vending machine in UK
We wouldn't recommend hopping on the next non-stop flight to London Gatwick Airport's North Terminal or anything, but for those passing through in dire need of an extra SD / CF card or USB drive, Kingston's got your back. Joining SIM cards, iPods, digicams, shoes, and all sorts of other bizarre goods, Kingston's self-branded vending machine will doll out presumably overpriced flash memory to travelers in need. Reportedly, New Jersey-based MyMemory will be operating the machines, and of course, they will all be open 24/7 for your late night (and mid-day) flash storage requirements. Interestingly, the UK units will supposedly utilize the oft hacked Chip & PIN technology, which means the countdown to gobs of free memory (and a high-speed police chase) has officially begun.[Via EverythingUSB]
Panasonic's latest D-snap and D-docks -- wake us when they're through
Oh D-snap -- Panasonic is back with more product from their series of SD (and now SDHC) card capable media devices. Thing is, their previous gen of D-snap branded docks and players easily trump these digital death rattles in looks. Seriously, is that the best user interface they could slap onto their newest D-snap ¥20,000 ($168) SV-SD850N slab? Visual aesthetic aside, these players bake in a "noise killer" function promising 83% noise cancellation. Unlike previous D-snaps, this model packs a non-removable lithium ion battery pumping about 60 hours of SD-Audio/AAC 96kbps (puhlease) playback while slaughtering the noise or up to 80 hours when ambiently merciful. Other features include an FM tuner and line-in recording direct to MP3. If you're still with us, then you'll want to take note that Panny also took the wraps off a couple of D-dock speaker systems: the MD lovin' SC-PM770SD for ¥45,000/$379 and less capable, MD-less NS550SD for ¥30,000/$253. All available April 26th and pictured after the break. Read -- D-snap SV-SD850NRead -- D-dock SC-PM770SD and NS550SD
OCZ Trifecta SD card pulls triple duty
Although it's far from being the first USB-enabled SD card to grace store shelves, we're giving OCZ a bit of a break considering that its rendition of the multi-faceted flash card also handles microSD on the side. The aptly-dubbed Trifecta purportedly functions as any standard SD card should in your camera, PMP, or toilet, but it also acts as a flash card reader or USB thumb drive without any extra fuss. The three-in-one device will be shipping in both 1GB and 2GB flavors before any additional expansion via microSD, will sport a 66x read rate, and will be covered by a five-year warranty to boot. Unfortunately, we've no idea when to expect these little guys to actually arrive, nor how much they'll run when that day comes.[Via EverythingUSB]
Forget weather-proof memory cards, let's try "nuke-able"
The folks at e-Fotografija have had enough of SDHC speed tests, and wanted to take things to the next level. After some extreme temperature tests (ranging from -30°C to +85°C) which seemed to do little to knock the cards out of commission -- though Kodak card did have to return to room temperature before restarting, while the industrial-grade ATP card kept right on humming -- the cards were blasted with Gamma radiation to really get the measure of the things. Sadly, no strange half-man, half-SD card creatures were created in the process, and in fact, high doses of radiation did absolutely nothing to impact the cards, meaning the relatively weak level of airport X-ray radiation should do nothing to your stash of pictures stored on these sturdy memory cards. Tune in next weak, when we'll find out if SD cards can pass through the core of the earth unscathed.[Via PhotographyBLOG]
SanDisk announces 4GB and 8GB Class 6 SDHC cards
Sure we've seen 4GB and 8GB Class 6 SDHC cards before -- Lexar's got a pair, as does Transcend -- but when it's SanDisk that steps up to the plate with new Ultra II and Extreme III models, well, that's certainly worth a mention. As we're all well aware by now, Class 6 cards have a minimum sustained write speed of 6MBps, though both the 8GB Ultra II and 4GB Extreme III easily surpass that, clocking in at 9MBps and 20MBps, respectively. Available in June -- along with the new 4GB EIII Memory Stick PRO Duo card -- the 4GB EIII will retail for $180, the 8GB UII will fetch $240, and both models will toss in a "free" MicroMate USB 2.0 reader.Read - Extreme IIIRead - Ultra II
DXG hops on the PMP wagon, kicks out Roadster DXG-521
When you think about DXG (if the name even rings a faint bell), a few off-the-wall digicams could come to mind, but the company best known for kicking out digital imaging products is delving into the ever-popular portable media player realm with its Roadster DXG-521. Looking slightly more like Sega's Game Gear than a sleek, pocket-friendly PMP of the modern era, this relatively unsightly device measures 4.75- x 2.25- x 0.81-inches around and reportedly sports a modest 2.5-inch LCD, 32MB of built-in memory, SD card slot, video-out, USB 2.0 connectivity, FM radio, MP3 playback, a voice recorder, four integrated video games (including Tetris), and a rear five-megapixel camera for snapping pictures on the run. Additionally, users can expect to capture external video into MPEG4 files, and while we can't say it's surprising, you can have your pick of the oh-so-trendy black / gloss white color schemes. Nah, we don't expect the video nor audio quality here to live up to the standards set by more luxurious offerings, but this doesn't look half bad for a couple Benjamins.[Via About]
Venturi's PMP does DMB too!
Just when you thought the humble PMP couldn't get any more functional, along comes Korean manufacturer Venturi (no relation to the makers of that Eclectic solar / wind-powered car) and -- get this -- squeezes a whole freakin' DMB tuner inside its new, cryptically-named unit. Actually, it's pretty difficult to find a PMP coming out of Korea these days that doesn't sport a digital OTA tuner, and with this model (its name is a series of Korean characters that we never learned) omitting GPS and subsequently the acronym triumvirate we expect from these devices, there's really not much here to hold our interest. Making matters worse, the source page containing specs incorporates all of the words into an untranslatable graphic, so all we know is that the latest Venturi sports a 4.3-inch touchscreen and SD slot for expansion. Processor speed? Couldn't tell ya. Built-in memory? If there is any, we sure don't know how much. Compatible codecs? Ok, now you're just being silly. What we do know is that this presumably a real product that will go on sale somewhere, at some time, for some undisclosed sum of money.[Via PMP Today, thanks Voland]
The do-it-yourself SSD adapter
If you can't afford the real deal, then prepare to get your jank on with this, the not-so-poor-man's solid state disk. The SDB25SD from GeekStuff4U can host up to 4x SD (not SDHC) cards for a maximum capacity of 8GB. Just slip the four cards into the 2.5-inch sled which then slots-in to any available IDE connector where -- presumably -- the total capacity is presented as a single disk volume... who knows? So how much would you pay for something like this: $50, $40, or maybe $20? Try $258.50 and you have to provide the SD flash. Word to the wise: SSD prices are dropping fast -- you'll pay about the same price for a full 16GB SSD card if you can hold on until June or so.[Via Akihabara News]
Panasonic announces "world's smallest" SDHC-based camcorder
Panasonic has announced what it claims to be the world's smallest SDHC-based camcorder, following up its SDR-S200 with the decidedly more pocketable (and presentable) SDR-S10. Measuring a scant 1.2 x 2.5 x 4.5 inches, the cam nonetheless manages to squeeze in a 10x optical zoom, as well as 2.7-inch LCD, which you'll have to make do with given that there's no optical viewfinder. While you'll supposedly be able to get up to 100 minutes of MPEG-2 video on the maximum 4GB SDHC card, you'll have to drop some extra cash to put that to the test, as Panasonic's only seen fit to include a non-HC 2GB SD card with the camcorder, which will only give ya 50 minutes of recording time. Being SD-based, the cam also has a considerable advantage in start-up time, with a promised 1.7 second delay from the time you switch it on to the first frame captured. Unfortunately, there's no word yet on what it'll cost, although you can look for it to be available this May, in Europe to start with it seems.[Via Camcorder Info]
Haicom's HI-505SD Bluetooth-enabled GPS SDIO receiver
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get GPS (and Bluetooth) onto your PDA, handset, or other SD-slotted handheld, there's not exactly a smorgasbord of offerings out there to choose from if you're not willing to sacrifice your flash-based storage, but Haicom's latest takes care of all those dilemmas in one fell swoop. The HI-505SD plugs directly into your device's SD slot and utilizes its battery in order to power up the SiRF Star III GPS receiver and Bluetooth antenna, but rather than whining about your sudden loss of storage, this SDIO adapter offers up a miniSD slot to cram a few extra gigabytes back into your machine. Interestingly, Haicom also sells a bevy of attachment cables in order to use this device directly from a power source, but we envision this slightly unsightly device spending most of its time docked in your Treo. Unfortunately, there's an absence of details regarding price and future availability, but we're sure these will be available for import sooner rather than later.[Via NaviGadget]
Aftermarket sun visor boasts display, DVD / TV / MP3 playback
Anyone who lives in a moderately large city or has seen just about any episode of Cribs is probably familiar with the LCD-infused sun visor, but the Sun Visor Theater ups the ante on the usual rendition by including the multimedia playback utilities right alongside the LCD. This aftermarket visor is sure to look completely awkward installed all by its lonesome on just the passenger's side, but packs a seven-inch widescreen display, built-in DVD / CD /MP3 player, TV tuner, and even includes an SD slot and USB port for additional expansion options. Moreover, you'll get integrated controls and a wireless remote, and while we're not sure if this thing includes a built-in speaker, we do spot a couple of headphone jacks just in case. So if you're looking for an admittedly tacky way to add a bit of in-car entertainment before your next long haul, and aren't swayed by the fact that a one-year warranty costs an additional $45, the Sun Visor Theater is available now for $299.95.[Via TRFJ]
Panasonic's Conference Speakerphone packs a SIM card
Any of us blessed (or cursed) to spend the majority of our waking hours theoretically locked in a corporate boardroom know very well the form and function of a desktop speakerphone, but Panasonic and Willcom and teaming up to deliver a rendition that relies on cellular technology rather than landlines. Oddly enough, it appears the forthcoming Conference Speakerphone will actually pack a SIM card, speaker, several built-in microphones, a mobile microphone, and even an SD slot for users to easily record conversations. Actually, if someone utilized a third-party battery pack, this entire unit could be taken on the go and used as what would quite possibly be the world's largest cellphone of the decade. The appeal is that Willcom will reportedly be offering a "flat-rate talk plan" that allows companies to equip their employees with these machines and then communicate gratis, similar to many mobile networks with free in-network calling. Although the Conference Speakerphone is slated to ship this Spring, the value here is definitely questionable, as picking up a numerous ¥100,000 ($828) devices can seriously squash that meager IT budget.[Via DigitalWorldTokyo]
Toto's Apricot toilet seat plays tunes from SD cards
Sure, talking about toilet seats can be somewhat awkward, but we're fairly certain you'd rather have a seat that sung to you while occupying the restroom than one that, well, didn't. Regardless of whether you're creeped out by a speaker-infused toilet seat or not, Toto is back and better than ever with its new Apricot. The seat maintains the SD slot and MP3 playback abilities of its predecessor, but this rendition also features a few "self-cleaning" abilities, a fragrance emitter, and an automatic light that turns on when it knows you're approaching. Furthermore, it looks to interface with a wall-mounted control unit that can queue up a playlist just as soon as it senses your presence, and as a good steward of the environment, shuts down when not needed to conserve electricity. So if you're strangely curious about sitting on an ultra-clean, sound streaming seat when visiting the bathroom, you can pick up Toto's Apricot next week for a staggering ¥109,200 ($900).[Via Impress]
Asus joins the crowded portable GPS market with S102
Taking a saturated market and cramming yet another alternative in it is Asus, as its "first entry into the portable GPS market" looks to be yet another mundane offering with little to differentiate it. The S102 touts an internal antenna, SiRF Star III receiver, and "advanced natural voice technology" so those turn-by-turn instructions sound eerily lifelike. Other features include a 3.5-inch 320 x 240 resolution touchscreen, handwriting / voice recognition capabilities, 64MB of SDRAM, 64MB of Flash ROM, SD slot, external antenna jack, MP3 playback support, photo viewer, and a rechargeable Li-ion battery that should be good for about four hours. Although Asus was kind enough to belt out the specs, it left us hanging in regard to price or future availability, but we're sure it'll fit right in with all the others whenever it lands.[Via GPSGazette, thanks Dimitris]
