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Kingmax busts out world's first 4GB microSDHC card
4GB in an miniSDHC card? We scoff at the audacious bulk of such a memory device! See, only microSD can cut it anymore around the Engadget HQ, now that Kingmax has squeezed 4GB of flash memory into a microSDHC card -- champions of lesser memory formats will be shot on sight. Plus it's not just the capacity getting boost, performance has hit new highs as well, with 22.5MBps dual channel read speeds (150x) and normal read speeds of 19.1MBps (127x). That means the card can pull off SD 2.0 speeds in your digicam, while still making for a real kicker of a memory expansion for your phone or media player. Don't bother with looking for a price or availability date, we just pre-ordered the entire first run.[Via TrustedReviews]
ZVUE 260 mimics iPod, sports built-in speaker
HandHeld Entertainment is keeping the streak alive, as its latest PMP features about as little innovation as possible, yet still manages to seem mildly attractive if you're interested in just the basics. Making a ripple a CES, the ZVUE 260 sports an unmistakably iPod-esque appearance, rechargeable Li-ion cell, built-in speaker, a pocket-friendly 4.16- X 2.4- X 0.5-inch enclosure, and a 2.5-inch backlit LCD screen. This device plays nice with WMA, WMV, and WMA-DRM, and can reportedly play back 320 x 240 video at 30fps without a hitch; moreover, the ZVUE isn't much of a burden, as the SD-based unit doesn't house any sort of internal hard drive to weigh it down. Possibly the best thing about the otherwise ho hum ZVUE 260 is the price, as it should fit in nearly anyone's budget when it lands in mid-2007 for just $99.[Via MobileWhack]
Blackmagic intros DeckLink HD Studio: "world's first" HDMI / analog capture card
Although Blackmagic already tossed out a budget-friendly way to capture direct from HDMI sources via PCI-Express, now the firm is hittin' the high-end by offering up the DeckLink HD Studio to handle both newfangled HDMI-capable decks as well as component / analog renditions. Thanks to the HDMI input / outputs and the multifaceted breakout D-sub cable, users can connect a variety of inputs new and old into a single card, and it also touts the ability to "instantly switch between high definition and standard definition video connections," giving you one less reason to ditch those analog decks you just can't stand to part with. The card supports HDMI (up to 1080i), component, and 14-bit analog video, and of course, plays nice with both Macs and PCs. Those looking to get serious about capturing, but aren't quite ready to go purely HD just yet, can pick up the DeckLink HD Studio for $995 and juggle both worlds.[Via MacNN]
Clarion showcases Bluetooth / SD FB275BT head unit, touts "no moving parts"
Clarion's already shown us its N.I.C.E. 430 navigation system here at CES, but its "semiconductor car stereo" stole the show by offering up an in-car stereo with "no moving parts," which means you won't find an optical drive or HDD in here. The single-DIN FB275BT instead receives music care of the SD slot (unfortunately, no SDHC support was mentioned) behind the front white panel or over Bluetooth, and pumps out the jams with it's 50-watt x 4 internal amplifier. Aside from also boasting handsfree connectivity with your mobile, it features an FM tuner (sorry, AM lovers), two-line LCD display, rear auxiliary input for your DAP of choice, two-channel RCA output, and a modest assortment of equalizer / bass boost presets. The faceplate boasts eight large, curved buttons as a part of Clarion's HMI (Human Machine Interface), which reportedly seeks to "minimizes the number of buttons while maximizing functionality," and plenty of indirect lighting keep it lookin' good when nightfall hits. So if you're ready to ditch the CD for good, you can pick up the FB275BT sometime this year for $249.99.[Via Tech-On]
Pretec unveils "world's smallest" microSD reader: i-Disk Micro
Hmm, looks like we've got a bit of a conflict here, as we've now got two companies claiming that its microSD reader is indeed the world's smallest. Of course, Pretec doesn't bother giving us the dimensions, so its crown will have to remain in pending for the time being, but the i-Disk Micro Reader is ridiculously small nonetheless, Capable of holding microSD cards from 32MB all the way up to 2GB in capacity, this bantam device comes in a transparent case to give users easy access to the size of the microSD card within, sports a curvaceous design to purportedly prevent scratches when carried around with your mobile, includes a nifty keychain attachment, and connects via USB 2.0. There's no mention of pricing nor availability, but just in case this whole "world's smallest" claim doesn't pan out for ole Pretec, at least they're also releasing a SDHC-friendly 20-in-1 flash card reader which it can boast about while eating its words.[Via MobileWhack]
Memorex launches new TravelCards and TravelDrives
Step aside TravelDrive, Memorex just busted out a new line of TravelCard memory cards to round-out their line-up of USB drives. The new line-up announced today by Imation's sub-brand features a dual-interface card (like we've seen before) supporting both SD and USB connectivity. They say it's patented technology... only they don't say who holds said patent. The cards will be offered in 1GB and 2GB capacities and eliminate the need for an SD card reader when moving images from say, your camera to your laptop. The dual-interface cards should ship before Q2 2007. The rest of the family is available today in SD, "high speed" SD, SDHC, MiniSD, MicroSD and MMC Micro formats. Also announced is the Ultra TravelDrive (pictured) line-up of USB hard disk drives. These 2.5-inch, USB 2.0 drives deliver up to 160GB of storage capacity and ship this quarter for up to $200.Update: We dredged a picture of theTravelCard from the show floor. For whatever reason, we couldn't convince the staff to extract it from the impermeable plastic packaging to check that patented sliding action. Whatevs, click-on for a peep.read -- Ultra TravelDriveread -- TravelCard
Norcent announces DCC-1025 / DCS-760 digicams, slew of storage accessories
Hot on the heels of Norcent unveiling its forthcoming lineup of HDTVs, the company has announced that we'll be seeing its photogenic side as well, as the DCS-760 ($199) and DCC-1025 digicams make their debut at CES along with a slew of storage-related accessories. The 10.1-megapixel DCC-1025 ($179; DC-1020 pictured) reportedly sports a "champagne colored, brushed metal finish," 2.5-inch "scratch-resistant" LCD monitor, 3x optical zoom (and 4x of the practically worthless digital variety), 14 pre-selected scene modes, red-eye reduction, 640 x 480 MPEG4 movie mode, NTSC / PAL compatibility, 32MB of internal memory, SD / MMC slot, and AV out to boot. The more compact DCS-760 features a seven-megapixel sensor, "high-end design," 15 scene modes, VGA movie mode, 2.5-inch LTPS monitor, and the same 3x optical zoom and SD / MMC slot as the larger sibling. Making sure your digicam is fully prepared for a long day of shooting, the firm is also unveiling its SD Duo, Micro SD Trio, and Micro SD Reader / Adapter; the SD Duo combines SD and USB support, while the Micro SD Trio adds microSD, and neither unit needs a card reader to interface with any USB-equipped PC. As if that weren't enough, it's also showing off a 1GB ($19.99) / 2GB ($29.99) USB Pen Drive that rocks a LED indicator light and a "twist to open" cap to curb that "missing lid" syndrome so often associated with flash drives. While the DCS-760 won't be available until the Spring, everything else is available right now, and will be out on display in just a few days at CES.Read - Norcent DCS-760Read - Norcent DCC-1025Read - Norcent SD Storage lineupRead - Norcent USB Pen Drive
Fortuna NaView GPS-610B gets thumbs-up from FCC
With all these foreign-based GPS units suddenly making their way stateside, we're thrilled to see yet another Taiwanese navigation device get that coveted FCC seal of approval. The latest to pave its way to North American soil is Fortuna's NaView GPS-610B, and while we only truly know that it'll sport an SD / MMC slot, built-in stereo speakers for MP3 playback / turn-by-turn guidance, rechargeable battery pack, external antenna connector, car mounting kit, mini-USB support, integrated microphone for handsfree use, an audio out jack, and a four-inch touchscreen LCD, we suspect it'll resemble the GPS-600 pretty much to a T. If it does, you'll find a SiRF Star III receiver, 64MB of onboard NAND memory, 64MB of SDRAM, a Samsung CPU, and an optional Bluetooth transceiver. Per usual, those FCC documents aren't spilling any beans regarding pricing or availability, but it shouldn't be too long until the GPS-610B can enjoy the American air (and mile-long traffic jams).[Via NaviGadget]
Shenzen Leadertone intros GPS3000 navigation system
Ah, just what we needed -- yet another Chinese navigation system that touts mutiple layers of functionality, but probably doesn't really excel in any of them. Shenzen Leadertone has its Windows CE-powered GPS3000 on deck and ready for showing at next week's CES, and aside from the somewhat gaudy window attachment, it manages to sport a 3.5-inch 4:3 touchscreen, SD / MMC flash card slots, rechargeable four-hour battery, turn-by-turn voice guidance, and a built-in, brain-rattling one-watt speaker to crank out the MP3, WMA, and WAV files. Additionally, it can playback ASF and AVI video formats, recognize text files / pictures, and touts automatic redirecting, 3D / "overlook" views, and an integrated 159dBm GPS antenna. Of course, it the included one isn't up to your requirements, you can attach an external antenna of your own thanks to the MCX port. No information regarding pricing or availability has been released just yet, but all that should become perfectly clear when it hits the Vegas floors in just a few days.[Via Navigadget]
NOVOMAX's Joypot JP C210 DAP / flash card reader
If you're feeling the screenless, shirt-pocket-friendly DAP design, but want a bit more utility / expandability than what's offered in Apple's 2G Shuffle, NOVOMAX has just the thing. The Joypot CP C210 sports a palm-sized enclosure, weighs just 25 grams, and comes sans internal memory if you choose, or you can pick it up with 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, or 1GB of internal storage. For those toting more than a couple records, you can store the excess on an SD, miniSD, or MMC card, and the unit also doubles as a card reader for transferring any files from one device to another or to your computer's HDD. Featuring USB 2.0 connectivity, the JP C210 also touts five built-in equalizer modes, "about ten hours" of battery life on a single AAA cell, and (unsurprisingly) comes in black or white color schemes. There's no information regarding pricing or availability as of now, but if this thing can manage to undercut Apple's littlest rendition, it'd be hard to not recommend.[Via Slashgear]
Dacos kicks out T-DMB-equipped iHolic PMP
It's been quite awhile since we've heard from Korea's Dacos Technology, but apparently it's back with the same T-DMB touch it's known for. The iHolic PMP sports a 3.27- x 1.97- x 0.73-inch enclosure, weighs just over three ounces, and still manages to rock a 2.4-inch TFT LCD screen. Beneath its sleek, black shell is a T-DMB receiver, image viewer, "audio / video" playback functionality, a voice recorder, and an SD slot to load up your media. Additionally, the device comes with a cradle and built-in speaker as well as a remote, so it should feel right at home on any kitchen table and / or car dashboard when not in your palm. Although pricing deets weren't available, these little fellows should be hitting South Korea soon in 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB flavors.
ByD:sign / EyeFi unveils antiquated 42-inch plasma
It's one thing to be fashionably late, but to arrive at a party that essentially ended months ago (at least) and expect to shake things up is probably an ill-advised move. Nevertheless, Japan's ByD:sign (badged as EyeFi here in the States) is offering up a 42-inch plasma TV (PE-4202DFK) that sports a built-in digital terrestrial tuner and manages to include an HDMI input, but somehow touts a completely uninspiring 852 x 480 resolution. Just in case the rest of the specs even matter after that blow, it also features 1,500 cd/m2 brightness, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, Genesis DCDi chip, S-Video / composite, VGA, analog / optical audio, and removable 10-watt stereo speakers as well. While the lowly resolution may suit your Wii playing needs just fine, you won't enjoy any crisp HD DVDs or Blu-rays in their full, unadulterated glory here, and at a whopping ¥170,000 ($1,430), you can do a whole lot better for your money anyway.
Spectec rolls out microSD-packin' SDIO GPS receiver
If that handy SD slot in your Treo (or similar smartphone) has gone lonely long enough, you've probably been waiting for "that killer device" to slam down in there and boast about. Thankfully, that time has seemingly come, as Spectec's latest SDIO GPS receiver packs a whole lot of functionality into a minuscule (and sleek) package. Unlike alternative GPS attachments for your handset, the SDG-810 provides a SiRF Star III 20-channel tracking adornment, is WAAS-enabled, and sports a microSD slot to carry up to 2GB of excess data (like maps, for instance) since your original flash memory slot just got occupied. While pricing information wasn't readily available, this nifty smartphone must-have should be available in your neck of the woods (read: everywhere) real soon.[Via GearDiary]
Exemode's budget-friendly DV572 SD camcorder
Exemode leaves no question about who it's catering to with its uber-cheap, budget-friendly offerings, but we're not complaining with doing the camcorder thang on the cheap. While the firm has been down the pocket-sized road before, not to mention offering up quite the unique MP3 player, this five-megapixel camcorder sports the more typical handheld design. Offering up SD-based recording over the HDD / miniDV approaches, it can handle SD cards up to 2GB in size (sorry, no SDHC support here), and captures the good ole times in 640 x 480 MPEG4 at 30fps. Additionally, it can take stills in JPEG, record audio in WAV, features an (admittedly paltry) 4x digital zoom, rocks USB 2.0 / AV connectivity, and reportedly puts out just under seven hours of battery life. The best apart about this otherwise ho hum offering is indeed the price, as you aren't likely to be too disappointed after dropping just ¥14,800 ($125).[Via Impress]
Palm Treo hack enables SDHC support on the 700p
Just in case you haven't already told us what shiny new toys you unwrapped this morning, a few clever hackers are giving you one more gift to top things off. While those of you toting the recently-unveiled Palm (sorry, WinMo users) Treo 680 can boast about your "exclusive" SDHC support, we folks using the 700p simply don't have that luxury. If you've been clamoring about getting SDHC support on the 700p, and were let down that the "big patch" didn't include even a whisper about such support coming your way, take heart. Apparently, copying the slot driver from the 680 onto the 700p allows it to use SDHC cards, and while it hasn't been confirmed quite yet, it looks the ole 650 may get a bit of that high capacity lovin' as well. So if Santa wasn't quite as good to you as you thought he'd be, be sure to hit the read link to make even better use of that (presumably costly) SDHC card you (hopefully) just received.[Via Phone News]
Legendary Yule Log broadcast pits SD against HD
Anyone remotely familiar with history in New York or the holiday season in general can remember the ole Yule Log broadcast that showed a burning fireplace with soft, classic seasonal hits cycling through in the background. While it's not likely to be the most invigorating thing on television come Christmas morning, the folks at WPIX, who are restoring the classic log show for a three-hour broadcast, say that it allows families to reminisce and think back on the gatherings of yesteryear. However, Jason Patton -- vice president for business development on INHD -- feels that the new widescreen version of the heartwarming fireplace is the superior rendition. Shot by Ron Roy in high definition, the picture will clearly outshine the "30 year old" version looping on standard cable, but apparently some folks actually prefer the classic look to the new. Nevertheless, we HD freaks should be sure to catch the fiery new version on INHD starting at 7:00AM on Christmas morning and continuing on for 24 hours.
Sunconnection kicks out handheld PMP / do-it-all, smells like N-Gage
We've seen a fair amount of N-Gage-esque devices hit the international front, and shoving more and more functionality into gizmos we Americans will probably never touch is becoming quite the fad, but Sunconnection's SC-VP128SD combines the short-lived goodness of Nokia's handheld with Japan's (apparent) all-in-one mentality. The device sports an orange or black color scheme, 128MB of storage, an SD slot, USB 2.0 connectivity, AV in / out (NTSC / PAL compatible), built-in equalizer, a 2.5-inch LCD, voice recorder, and a "digital video camera" that can purportedly snap stills or record full motion video to your SD card. Additionally, it plays nice with MP3 / WMA on the audio front, while playing back ASF video files as well, and weighs in at just 90-grams. Although we've certainly seen sexier multi-tasking handhelds hit the market, there's not much to complain about here for just $84 -- except for its absence in the US, of course.[Via Akihabara News]
FineDigital's FineDrive 500 GPS unit boasts 5.1-inch LCD, lofty price
We've got no qualms with FineDigital adding yet another perfectly average portable GPS device to the fray, but the inexplicably high $699 pricetag practically prices this bad boy right out of consideration. Focusing more intently on navigating its users than the M300, the FineDrive 500 rocks a 5.1-inch touchscreen, SD slot, 128MB of built-in memory, NAVTEQ maps of the US and Canada, and "millions" of POIs. It also touts automatic redirecting and the obligatory robotic announcer belting out turn-by-turn guidance to go along with the Day / Night views and 2D / 3D displays. While this unit hasn't gone on sale just yet, we just don't see any reason to mark this one down considering the more equipped (and lower priced) alternatives.[Via NaviGadget]
Axion rolls out budget-priced GEO-632 GPS unit
Apparently there's a gaping hole in the handheld GPS market, as it seems a new manufacturer takes its first dive every other week or so, and this time it's none other than Axion. Diverting its efforts away from those portable DVD players and iPTV gizmos, the firm is unveiling a budget-conscious GPS that pulls double duty as a pedestrian guide when not relaxing on your dash. Boasting a familiar 3.5-inch touchscreen, pre-loaded maps of the US and Canada on its built-in SD card, turn-by-turn guidance, automatic rerouting, and "2D / 3D night maps," the GEO-632 matched up fairly well with other entry-level offerings already on the market. It also functions as an MP3 player and JPEG viewer when you're not circling the block, and comes bundled with an in-car mounting system to boot. While the device may not floor anyone in the features department, it can get you where you want to go for just $259.99, which is quite a bit less than the alternatives are demanding for their navigational intelligence.[Via MobileWhack]
Pontus HNA-7031 debuts, GPS with a side of DMB TV
There's not a whole lot of info floating around the internet about this latest offering from Pontus, the HNA-7031. As is the case with most of the nav units that we've seen around these parts, this one will play back your media files (no word on exactly what types) in addition to doing all that mapping stuff you bought it for in the first place. And like many late models, you can also watch your DMB digital TV via picture-in-picture. Other than that, there's not much to go on save the pair of auxiliary jacks, an SD slot, and GINI software, but if you can glean any more information from the Korean website PMPInside.com, (the exact URL keeps changing due to a silly piece of javascript) please do let us know in the comments. Specifically, we'd love to know how much this thing costs, and what premium Pontus wants to send one Stateside.[Via Navigadget]
