Motorola signs on with Microvision's PicoP laser projection

After months of eyelash batting and heavy petting, Microvision and Motorola have officially exchanged vows. In a deal inked yesterday, Motorola has agreed to help Microvision bring their PicoP laser projection technology to market. Not a surprise really what with Microvision's penchant for using Moto handsets in their marketing collateral. Unfortunately, the agreement looks to amount to the production of a functional prototype only for the time being. While the prospect of an 854 x 480 resolution projection is certainly titillating, we doubt our gadget vanity can withstand the extra chub and battery drain the tech would introduce on our slim, sexy handsets. Then again, the geek cred gained could offset the lack of swank. No worries, we've got several months (if not a couple of years) to grow up before product is ready for consumers.

Sony quietly launches VAIO TP1 Living Room PC

If you can force your brain to remember back to January, you may recall Sony's curiously designed TP1 HTPC. Interestingly enough, it seems that Sony has indeed launched the device and didn't even bother to tell anyone, but that doesn't mean you can't be brought up to speed. Be warned, however, that Living Room PC does not equate to high-end AV center, as this modestly-spec'd machine lacks an HD optical drive and CableCARD option. Internally, you'll find a 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo chip, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 300GB 7,200RPM SATA hard drive, dual-layer DVD writer, ATSC / NTSC TV tuner, GMA 950 integrated graphics set, and HDMI / DVI / VGA outputs. Moreover, Sony included a 4-pin FireWire connector, audio in / out, four USB 2.0 ports, Memory Stick / SD slots, 802.11b/g, and Vista Home Premium to run the show. So if you're still intrigued by this ho hum (albeit Viiv-certified!) PC, you can snag it right now starting at $1,599.99.

Sony unveils world's first, ugliest HD Video Walkman

For those of you not blinded by the unsightly image above, that there is the "world's first HD Video Walkman," or in other terms, one of the ugliest devices we've seen in years. Beyond the fact that this thing resembles a decade-old handheld cassette recorder with a seven-inch HD display flanked on top, it enables users to watch their HDV / miniDV tapes on the go, which isn't likely to entice you unless you shoot for a living. Furthermore, the GV-HD700E can record HDV1080i/DV signals from an external source, sports i.LINK / HDMI / component outputs, supports x.v.Color, and includes a Memory Stick slot for tape-to-flash card conversions. No word on just how much this curious creature will set you back, but those still fascinated can look for it to land in Europe this September.

OPPO Blast PMP is blowing up your FLVs

OPPO, a PMP maker we've come to expect some interesting designs from (see the guitar-shaped DAP and the pendant player), is bringing something a little more tame to market. The 6.9mm thick Blast sports a 2.4-inch TFT screen, takes microSD cards, and can play back all the standards, like MP3, WMA, MP4, AVI, XVID, and FLAC, which is all well and good, though we've seen a million of these and counting. What's different in this case -- at least a little -- is that the Blast can supposedly play back FLV files, which gives it a certain modern flavor, and suggests that even mass-produced China-ware is getting caught up in the YouTube game. Not available anywhere even close to the US, price unknown.

Is this the new iMac keyboard?

See that? That's the rumored, "super slim," brushed aluminum keyboard said to be accompanying Apple's new iMac computer. It certainly appears to share the key design of the MacBook like we heard but seeing "Photoshop" in the exif data doesn't give us a high degree of confidence here. Regardless, a forum jockey over at the Rhapsody Apple forum in Hong Kong will sell you the keyboard (s/he has more than one) for 1,200 of the local stuff or about $153.40. Word to the wise, the consensus amongst rumor sites shows the new iMac coming as early as August 7th so you might want to hold onto that wad for a few more days to see what happens. We've got a bigger version of that image above along with the Apple development team sticker reportedly affixed to the backside of the unit in the gallery below.

Update: Full-sized image (and plenty more) just received from our tipster. You know, we 're starting to believe that this is the real deal. But did they really remove the Apple logo from the command key?

Razer updates Diamondback gaming mouse with "3G" sensor

Ever the sticklers for mouse precision, the folks at Razer have now gone and updated their Diamondback gaming mouse with their third generation (3G) infrared sensor, which was first put to use in the company's unfortunately-named DeathAdder mouse. As with that mouse, the Diamondback will give you an impressive 1800 dpi resolution, along with on-the-fly sensitivity adjustment, seven independently programmable buttons, and a rubberized non-slip finish, not to mention a choice of colors to light up your desk. Look for it to be available at the beginning of next month for $60.

Amtek shows off U560 UMPC at Computex

OEM manufacturer Amtek's rolled into Computex with a fresh new UMPC prototype, and it looks like it may have already signed up a partner in the US to offer it under their brand name. That bit of news comes from GottaBeMobile, which has also managed to scope out a few of the device's specs. As is par for the course these days, the device is based on Intel's McCaslin platform, and packs either an 800MHz A110 or 600MHz A100 processor, a 3600mAh 2-cell battery with an optional 4-cell extended battery, and an integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam, not to mention a full QWERTY keypad. Apparently, Amtek is set to put the device into mass production by the end of the year, although it looks like we'll have to wait a bit longer to hear anything on pricing or availability, as well as any word about that mystery US partner.

Compal showcases prototype UMPC running Windows CE

Although it's still proudly donning the proverbial prototype badge, a nifty machine from Compal was spotted at Computex running Windows CE 5.0 in favor of the battery-draining XP or Vista. Simply dubbed the UMD (Ultra Mobile Device), this ultraportable supposedly pulled double duty as a smartphone and even played nice with HSDPA. Internally, it featured a 532MHz Freescale i.MX31 processor, 512MB of NAND Flash memory, 256MB of DDR RAM, a 4.3-inch WVGA display, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, a slide out QWERTY keyboard, trackpad, hot keys, built-in speaker and microphone, a 1.3-megapixel CMOS camera, SIM card slot, and a miniSD slot to hold excess media. Additionally, it boasted USB connectivity, a headphone jack, a meager five-watt power consumption rating that enabled nearly five hours of battery life, and the obligatory media playing and Skype-friendly applications that you would expect on such a multifaceted device. Unfortunately, there's no way to tell whether Compal will come through on bringing this thing to market, but we're sure there's a niche that would be all over it should it eventually roll out.

Pricing announced for HP Compaq's 2710p Tablet PC

Time to start counting those pennies, HP just announced the pricing on their new 12.1-inch, 3.6-pound 2710p Tablet PC. $1,649 gets you through the door sans OS but with a 1.06GHz Core 2 Duo ULV U7500 processor, 1GB of DDR2 memory, GMA X3100 graphics, and 60GB 4200 PATA disk. Bump it up to $2,478 for a 1.2GHz U7600, 80GB 4200RPM PATA disk, 2GB memory, Bluetooth 2.0, and a Vista Business pre-install. Each config brings that thin, bright, battery friendly WXGA LED-backlit display (with digitizer) we've heard rumored since January. However, HP confusingly masks this important fact with superfluous marketing speak by calling 'em "Illumi-Lite" displays. In fact, you won't find a mention of LED backlighting anywhere on the product page, not even in the detailed specifications. Oh right, consumers are idiots... gotcha. Still no release date so Lenovo X-series owners can rest easy for the time being.

Logitech's VX Nano: the VX Revolution's little brother

So you liked Logitech's MX and VX Revolution mousers, did ya? Then check the VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse with that crazy-small 2.4GHz USB receiver for laptop users. The VX Nano features a mini, hyper-fast scrolling MicroGear scroll wheel along with forward and back buttons mapped to your browser, five programmable buttons, and is said to run for up to 6 months of a pair of AAA batteries. All yours for $70 worldwide in late August. Noebooks.com got themselves some sit-down time with the mouse with the video to prove it. After the break, naturally.

D-Link intros DUB-9240 wireless USB kit

Hot on the heels of several other wireless USB hubs, D-Link is making sure it joins the party with time to spare as it unveils the DUB-9240 kit. The two-piece assemblage consists of the DUB-1210 wireless USB adapter and the DUB-2240 four-port wireless USB hub, and together they enable your machine to connect to USB peripherals sans wires. The unit promises to function within a 30-foot range, and operates on a frequency range of 3.4GHz to 4.5GHz in order to not interfere with any surrounding WiFi signals. Additionally, up to three more DUB-2240s can be connected to the first for a wireless USB overload blowout, and you'll have plenty of time to dream up such a setup while waiting for these to ship in Q4 for $119.99 apiece, or $219.99 for the pair.

Security Ring denies intruders when you're away

Fingerprint scanners are so 2004. Yang Hai, an artist who apparently appreciates utility, has conjured up a concept that aims to make biometrics on PCs a thing of the past, as his aptly-dubbed Security Ring makes certain that no one can peruse your files while you're away. The device enables the user to select a lock down distance, and when the ring bearer exceeds that parameter (or simply heads to the lavatory), the connected PC locks out intruders and only opens up when its master returns. Talk about a hit waiting to happen in the corporate space.

Corian Z. Island: taking kitchens to the year 3000

Corian is known for producing all types of wacky materials for your countertop, but the company has dashed straight into the 23rd century with its new "Z" kitchen island (and assorted accessories). The Zaha Hadid designed centerpiece boasts LED touch panels embedded in the table's surface, a mounted Mac for multimedia functions, and three very bizarre looking aroma "devices" which protrude from the island, and can be tweaked to produce various scents. The unit also controls a wall of abstract lighting fixtures, allowing you to alter their color and intensity. Basically, it's the perfect thing to own if James T. Kirk stops by wants you to heat up his coffee and make the room smell like rose petals.

Oral-B Triumph intelligent toothbrush makes sure you brush correctly

Proving that adding an LCD screen and a radio transmitter are sure-fire ways to improve even the lowliest of products, Oral-B has unveiled the latest in its Triumph line of intelligent toothbrushes. The multi-head brush, which has 4 programmable cleaning patterns, communicates with a mirror-mounted LCD display that instructs you on where and how long to brush, and warns you if you're brushing too hard -- just like mom. The handle keeps track of data if you step out of range of the dispay and re-syncs when you come back to spit, so you'll never miss a stroke. Apparently these go on sale in September for $150, but we're going to stick with our Tooth Tunes -- what's a little less polish when you can brush up to The Clash?

Marantz's RC9001 touchscreen remote with WiFi extender

We saw a variation of this Philips TSU9600 at CES. Still, it's nice to see Marantz get official with their own VGA touchscreen remote: the TC9001. Like Philips' model, we expect this Marantz model to integrate with Escient Fireball media servers and Lutron RadioRa lighting controls for full multi-room control. It brings along an option for an RX9001 WiFi extender or RX8001 serial extender too -- right, just like Philips. The only difference appears to be the choice of UI which of course, can make all the difference in the world. Expect the Marantz RC9001 to ship sometime mid-September for right around $1,000.

Nokia's HF-300 Bluetooth speakerphone

Nokia may be best known for their handsets but they've been slowly branching out in consumer electronics. Headsets and the N800, sure, but also GPS navigators, speakers, audio gateways, transmitters, Digital Pens and more. Now this, a new HF-300 Bluetooth 1.1 speakerphone for the car and beyond. Notably, the battery powered device auto cycles the power when you stop talking while supporting up to 20 hours of talk on a single charge. Expect to see it hit worldwide in Q3 for about €90/$123 before taxes.

Verizon, LG intro new Chocolate

We'll spare you the "even sweeter the second time around" punnage that Verizon couldn't help crack and get straight to the point here. Following up its hit VX8500 last year, Verizon has introduced a new Chocolate to its lineup, the aptly-named VX8550. The re-upped model gets very slightly trimmer by shaving a few hundredths of an inch off every dimension from its predecessor, a new keypad with touch feedback, and something LG is calling "Trace Motion" -- some sort of lighting that works in conjunction with the new nav wheel. Carried over from the original Chocolate are the 1.3 megapixel cam, microSD slot, and wealth of music-related features, though sadly, the rumored 3.5mm jack ain't here. Look for it in stores July 9 in your choice of "Black Cherry" and "Blue Mint."

V-MODA Vibe Duo earbuds class up your iPhone

Just when it seemed like the only option for better iPhone earbuds was to make them yourself, along comes the V-MODA Vibe Duo. Sure, it'll cost you, but for exactly $101 you can trade up to the luxury and style of this sweet-ass trio. The earbud / microphone combo features V-MASQUE dynamic drivers, a noise-canceling technology called BLISS, and (according to the propaganda), "vibrant bass" coupled with "vivacious highs". Clearly a package aimed at those with a taste for the finer things in life (like spending almost 17% of the cost of your phone on earbuds), the Vibe Duo comes with a 24k gold plated connector, leather pouch, six pairs of clear silicon fittings (plus two sets of black), and the assurance that you'll look considerably more classy when speaking to your agent.

Sansa Express gets the hot pink treatment

It looks like SanDisk has deemed its pink Sansa C250 enough of a success to extend the eye-catching paint job further on down the line, with its well-received Sansa Express now also getting a refresh of its own. Apart from its new attention-grabbing ability, however, the player appears to be otherwise unchanged, with it packing the same four-line OLED display, 1GB of storage, microSD expansion slot, and FM tuner as its less colorful brethren. It also comes in at exactly the same price, setting you back $60.

MPIO keeps it simple with the MP300 DAP

While a myriad of companies battle it out to sell you on multifaceted converged devices, MPIO is staying in tune with the basics on its ML300. Checking in at 29- x 66- x 19.5-millimeters, this minuscule digital audio player boasts a simple display, supports MP3 / WMA formats, touts an FM tuner, and operates around 10-hours on a single AAA cell. Additionally, it includes a voice and FM recorder, USB 2.0 connectivity, and seven equalizer pre-sets. Reportedly, the ML300 will come in both 1GB and 2GB flavors, and while hard pricing deets weren't readily available, such a stripped down unit ought not break the bank.

Packard Bell intros "FunKey Town" MP3 player

Much like the oft-resurrected Commodore brand, the current incarnation of Packard Bell seems to continually find new products to slap its name on, the latest of which is the unfortunately-named "FunKey Town" MP3 player. Apparently, Packard Bell considers this to be "the first streetwear MP3 player," not to mention a "veritable fashion statement." While that may be overselling things, the player does look to be decent enough, available in 1GB or 2GB varieties, boasting the usual support for MP3 and WMA file formats, a retractable USB port, with an "anti-shock" rubber skin thrown in for good measure. As with other Packard Bell products these days, this one's available in Europe only, where it'll set you back €50 or €60 (or $70-$80) depending on the size.

Sofmap's Digital Olive DAP: an olive, not an egg

Don't call it an i-EGG, that's obviously the Digital Olive from Sofmap. Riiiight. Measuring just 3.1-inches around the waist and 5.5-inches long, this three piece DAP with integrated 3-watt speakers lacks any built-in storage making due with a line-in jack or MP3/WMA playback from SD/MMC or devices slung off its USB host port. Unfortunately, it doesn't pack a headphone jack so you're stuck with listening to those tiny, tinny speakers. Ah well, yours in Japan starting July 24th for just ¥5,980 or about $49 for a good OEM idea gone bad.

Keepin' it real fake, part LXV: shifty shuffles

We've gotta say, we're having real trouble figuring out exactly which MP3 player the bright green "Mini Aluminum Pocket Clipper" is trying to copy: the lack of a symbol for the play button, coupled with a badly Photoshopped-out logo on the back has us really muddled! The second example -- the iQ Sound 2GB Clip-on Aluminum MP3 Player with FM -- at least tries to improve upon its "source of inspiration," whatever that device may be.

Sony's dark-side: the ICF-C1IP alarm clock and ZS-S2IP boombox iPod docks

What started as a begrudging trickle of iPod accessories from Sony has turned a steady flow. Meet the new ICF-C1IP iPod Dock Clock Radio and ZS-S2IP iPod Dock Boombox. The radio (available in black or white) brings a wireless remote for control of the iPod, radio, and volume functions with a dual-alarm function and adjustable brightness control. Oh, and that giant square in the center which apparently serves no purpose? That's an overengineered "adjustable backstop mechanism" meant to ensure a snug fit of the iPod when docked. The Boombox features a retractable dock tray when going iPod-less with a digital AM/FM tuner and CD player supporting CD-R/RW media. Wireless remote and battery power? Yup, that too. Both rigs are priced at $100 beans and ready for retail sometime in August. Read-on for a glimpse of the boombox in repose.

Philips debuts seven new iPod docks for you

The market, bone dry for iPod docks, today gets quenched: Philips has introduced not one, not two, but seven new iPod docks for your listening pleasure (at least in the UK). The models are quite varied, and run the gamut from simple alarm-clock dock with remote, to full on mini-systems with features like "Dynamic Bass Boost", detachable speakers, and USB connectivity. Here's a detailed breakdown of the models:

* AJ300D - Alarm clock with remote, dual wake-up alarm, built-in radio tuner, five speakers (using Philips' wOOx technology), £69.99
* AZ1330D - "Boom box" style dock, CD player, digital tuner with presets, remote control, 2x4W RMS sound output with Dynamic Bass Boost, £99.99
* MCM138D - Mini stereo system, separate cradle, CD player, radio tuner, LCD panel, 2x2W RMS amplifier with Dynamic Bass Boost, two separate bass-reflex 3.5-inch driven speakers, £89.99
* MCM398D - Mini stereo system, separate cradle, CD player, radio tuner, LCD panel, 2x50W RMS performance via two-way bass reflex speakers with 4-inch woofer and Piezo tweeters, £139.99
* DC199 - Mini stereo system, built-in dock, digital radio tuner, built-in subwoofer with 4-inch driver, seperate speakers featuring metal drivers and neodynium magnets, £139.99
* DCM230 (pictured) - Mini stereo / "Boom box", built-in dock, USB Direct (allows any DAP to be connected via USB), CD player, two speakers delivering 15W of power each, £199.99
* DC1000 - Separate dock with remote, free when purchased with the WAC7000 WiFi audio system

Xexoo gilds a 2G iPod Shuffle, charges a bundle

iPods have long been the token of desire for customizers, and while we've certainly seen tamer flavors before, Xexoo's gilded 2G Shuffle is nothing short of overkill. The company -- which makes its ends by coating DAPs in precious metals and charging incomprehensibly high prices for them -- is now getting set to smother Apple's most diminutive player in 18-karat gold. Thankfully, the blinged-out Shuffle isn't the only thing you get for €14,000 ($19,320), as those imbecilic wealthy enough to shell out for this superfluous luxury will also receive a black wooden box and a certificate of authentication to sweeten the deal. Oh, and don't forget to add in the gold-finished dock while you're at it, cool?

Meizu responds to iPhone launch... with more M8 pictures

Nothing really new here, just the first pictures of the latest MiniOne M8 redesign from the sides, top, bottom, and back. Sorry, we'd love to tell you when this 11.8-mm of sexy will break loose Stateside and beyond but we can't. Still, if it makes you feel any better you can always prop these pictures up next to the dubious import pricing and dates we heard about this morning. You know, with claims of releasing a game changing 3G, HSDPA with WiFi worldphone packing 16GB of flash by early 2008... isn't it about time for Meizu to get this project out of their Chinese language bulletin boards and issue an honest to goodness foreign press release? In the mean time, we'll continue to cast doubt while you go toe-to-toe with product renderings in the gallery. Oh, and before you go... it looks like an iPhone. Ha, you didn't think you'd escape this post without some kind of Apple reference did ya?

Yukyung's Viliv X2 PMP navigator: the P2 all grown up

Yukyung's got a new Viliv PMP navigator set for launch in S.Korea: the X2. Looking every bit like the P2 found bouncing around the US, the X2 replaces its predecessor's hard disk with either 4GB or 8GB of solid state flash while introducing SiRFstar III navigation and SD/SDHC expansion. Of course, it also packs a DMB receiver for Korean mobile TV which they'll certainly trim if this thing ever comes Stateside.

Ministry of Sound intros MOSMP085 MP3 player

It looks like Ministry of Sound die hards now have yet another MP3 player to call their own, with the ever-expanding brand now finding itself slapped on the otherwise ordinary-looking MOSMP085 player. This one's available in both 1GB and 2GB varieties, and boasts a 2-inch display, a built-in voice recorder, and an internal speaker, along with the usual line up of supported formats. You'll also, of course, get five Ministry of Sound tracks pre-loaded, along with two free downloads of your choosing. Look for it to start shipping later this month for £45 or £50 (approx $90-$100) depending on the size.

Sony Network Walkman NWD-B100 announced

Looks like Sony finally took the wraps off its Network Walkman NWD-B100, which we first heard about months ago. The featherweight player is landing in Europe come August (sorry, no US release info as of yet), and has a 3-line color LCD, comes in 1GB (NWD-B103 / B103F) and 2GB sizes (NWD-B105 / 105F), and features an FM tuner, mic / voice recorder, up to 12 hours battery life, and perhaps best of all, it's now ATRAC-free (MP3 and WMA only) with mass-storage mode, meaning you can officially throw out your copy of SonicStage. Sony, welcome to 2007 -- we could almost kiss you.

Black Box DVR may be the world's smallest... DVR

Have you been hankering for a really tiny DVR with a wired, hidden camera attachment? Have you had trouble finding one for less than three large? Well fret no more, because Mini Gadgets Inc. has got you covered -- and by covered, we mean they make what you're looking for, buddy. The Black Box DVR is a personal video recorder which features a tethered camera, and can utilize a miniSD card up to 4GB. The company's website claims it's the world's smallest DVR under $3000, and we're inclined to agree -- at 2.28 square inches, it doesn't get much smaller. The device can record 640 x 480 video at 30fps, and includes a "long lasting" Li-Ion battery, for when you're on the go... shooting secret videos. Available right now for the shockingly low price of $499.95.

JVC's 3-CCD GZ-HD3 camcorder: like the HD7 but smaller

JVC is bringing more of that 3-CCD goodness this morning by coming clean with the specs of their high-def, GZ-HD3 camcorder. The latest HD Everio trims some 27% of the bulk from their GZ-HD7 while offering much of the same features albeit, at a lower resolution. We're talking up to 5-hours of 1,440 x 1,080 / 30Mbps recordings direct to internal 60GB hard disk. You can also record up to 5-hours in a 1440CBR mode for easy editing with your HDV-compatible software. Otherwise, you're stuck with the bundled CyberLink BD software. Rounding out the features are a Konica Minolta HD lens, digital image stabilization, JVC's HD Gigabrid image processing, 2.8-inch LCD, HDMI-out, built-in light, PC-less archiving over USB to Everio Share Stations, and support for SDHC (Class 6) recordings in SP mode (1,440 x 1,080 at 22Mbps). Expected to hit US shores for $1,300 sometime in September.

Hitachi's world's first Blu-ray camcorders coming this year

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. Meet the Blu-ray video cameras from Hitachi. Sure, at this point they're just non-functional mock-ups, but later in the year we can expect to see a series of camcorders featuring Hitachi's new 8cm BD/DVD drive bundled with a biggie, 5.3 megapixel CMOS sensor capable of recording at full 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. In fact, Hitachi claims that their Wooo-branded camcorders could be introduced as early as Fall. The cams would record up to 7GB of MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video on 8cm BD-RE/R media or 5 times less on 8cm DVD-RAM/RW/R discs. Uh, Hoozah? Picture of the actual drive mechanism after the break.