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New BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone

jessica — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:30:00 +0000

Research in Motion (RIM) has a new accessory for your BlackBerry that lets you listen to your favorite songs over your car's stereo – the BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone (model VM-605). This Bluetooth-enabled device also helps you keep both hands on the wheel by streaming calls from your BlackBerry through your car's stereo system. It supports voice activated dialing, caller ID, and gives you verbal notifications of who's calling.

It's easy to use, too. Just clip it to your car's visor with no installation required. The BlackBerry Visor Mount is available at www.shopblackberry.com for $99.99.

Plan Your Summer BBQ with Your Verizon Phone

jessica — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:30:00 +0000

The July 4th holiday is almost here, so it's time to fire up the grill! Verizon Wireless customers planning a backyard BBQ need look no further than their wireless phone for recipes and cooking videos to help plan a great meal.

Food Network Everyday Chef – Get recipe ideas from the Recipe Suggestion feature (available in the Media Center/Get It Now).

SmarterShopper – Find the lowest prices from thousands of trusted stores while saving time and money (available in the Media Center/Get It Now).

Drinktini – Perfect if you are trying to decide which drinks to provide for your summer cookout, this application includes a database of more than 7,000 cocktail recipes, international specialties, forgotten favorites, new recipes each week, popular shots and user recommendations (available in the Media Center/Get It Now).

Recipes from Top Magazine Web Sites – Use Mobile Web to access dozens of new recipes and more.

Epicurious & Concierge.com – Epicurious on V CAST Video can help you plan the perfect gathering, gourmet style. The online home of Bon Appetit and Gourmet magazines brings culinary videos, ranging from extensive technique demonstrations to celebrity kitchen tours and interviews with famed chefs, right to your wireless phone.

But don't forget to read the fine print below...

Unlimited Mobile Web usage is included with a $15.00 monthly V CAST VPak subscription, which also includes access to V CAST Video, V CAST Music and Media Center/Get It Now applications. Alternatively, you can access Mobile Web for free with a Nationwide Plan but will incur usage charges of $1.99 per megabyte. Food Network Everyday Chef, SmarterShopper, and Drinktini are available for monthly subscriptions of $4.49, $2.99 and $3.49 respectively, and can be downloaded through the Media Center/Get It Now on Verizon Wireless phones. Airtime, data usage and messaging fees may apply during download and use of the application.

For more information visit www.verizonwireless.com.

BlueAnt Q1 Bluetooth Headset Coming to AT&T July 19

jessica — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:05:55 +0000

AT&T just announced that on July 19th the BlueAnt Q1 Voice Controlled Bluetooth Headset with Multipoint will be available in AT&T stores and online at www.wireless.att.com.

The BlueAnt Q1 is a noise-cancelling headset that you control using your voice. All you have to do is push a button and say, "What can I say?" and the headset will give you a menu of voice commands. Much easier than memorizing different button combinations.

The Q1 also features BlueAnt's Voice Isolation Technology software which distinguishes your voice from other background noise. This makes your call much clearer than some of the other headsets in the marketplace. And with true multipoint technology, calls can be managed from two phones at the same time.

The BlueAnt Q1 will be available for $129.99 on July 19th at AT&T stores and online at www.wireless.att.com. To learn more about the BlueAnt Q1, visit www.myblueant.com.

La Pavoni Stradivari Espresso Machine: Home Espresso Genius

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:39:43 +0000

I don't know about you, but I definitely am tired of waiting in the long Starbucks drive-through line, while simultaneously making myself late for work, just to get a venti white chocolate mocha to make it through the day. As sad as that is, that was pretty much a daily occurrence, until I invested in the luxurious La Pavoni Stradivari Espresso Machine. Pretty much, this means that I get to be my own expert barista at home, meaning that I am saving money on my daily Starbucks run, making it totally worthwhile to invest the $859.99. If you actually do the math, then I will soon be making money by no longer going out for a five dollar coffee every single day because I can make it expertly at home.

This machine has a bunch of incredible features, and the name is inspired by, you guessed it - Antonio Stradivari, who was the famous violin maker. This means that this pro espresso machine will make the same kind of sweet music with high quality taste in your latte and cappuccino making. The body of the machine itself has a premium chrome finish, and it is nickel plated to keep it from corroding. For safety reasons, there is a built-in reset fuse that will keep it from overheating, and all of the inner components are made from stainless steel to guarantee a longer life. You can actually brew 1 or 2 cups at the same time, which is perfect for when you and your spouse are rushing off to work together. Along the same lines, there are two separate steaming systems, so you can use one wand to steam milk for a latte, and the other autofrother to create expert cappuccino microfoam. If all of this sounds intriguing, but a little bit intimidating, then don't worry because the La Pavoni Stradivari Espresso Machine comes with a professional instructional video, so you're all set.

The best thing I can say is that this machine will heat within five minutes, which is infinitely less than the time that I have waited in a long Starbucks drive-through line at eight in the morning. Hooray!

by Chuggin McCoffee
www.thecoffeebump.com

Are We There Yet?

Justin Hubbell — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:30:00 +0000

I know it can be intolerable after about 600 times. Well, Autonet Mobile, the first internet entertainment system for cars, is eliminating "Are we there yet?" from kids' vocabulary this summer by turning the family car into a rolling WiFi hotspot. Now, everyone in the car can bring their own computer or WiFi device and be part of "getting there" with the ability to track points of interest on Google Earth; research the history of towns they are passing through on Wikipedia; or post pictures of the trip in real-time on Facebook, flickr or blog pages.

This summer, as Americans take to the roadways, families are replacing the DVD player with the hottest accessory for the car – internet access from Autonet Mobile. I so wish I had this when my family went on long road trips. I had to make do with relics like the Game Boy and Game Gear to keep me entertained. Yes, I had a Game Gear (still have it) and love it!

Autonet Mobile is available for purchase at Amazon.com's electronics store, at any Advance Auto Parts location, as a dealer-installed option on any Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Volkswagen Routan or Cadillac CTS vehicle, and at independent auto dealers and specialty and automotive shops nationwide. For store location information, visit Autonet Mobile's web site at www.autonetmobile.com. Monthly service plans start at a flat rate of $29, half the cost of a cell card.

2K Sports Announces NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition

jessica — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:19:06 +0000

July 1, 2009-To celebrate 10 years of the popular NBA 2K franchise, and the milestone of having sold two million units of NBA 2K9 worldwide, 2K Sports today announced that the NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition is planned for release in North America this fall for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition will come packaged in a specially designed 2K Sports locker configured for game storage, and include exclusive items featuring 2009 NBA Finals MVP, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, along with a special commemorative video looking back on 10 years of the NBA 2K franchise and its past cover athletes.

As part of a limited edition offering of only 30,000 copies, each NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition will be individually numbered for authenticity. Fans can now preorder their copy online and at local retail outlets across the country. Ten lucky fans will have the rare opportunity to find an autographed Kobe Bryant fine-art print, designed by Shepard Fairey's Studio Number One, which will be hidden and randomly packaged among the different lockers. Gamers with Xbox LIVE online entertainment network and PlayStation Network membership will also be able to enjoy special privileges for NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition, including exclusive access to an online lobby - the Gold Room - where celebrities and other VIP members will go to play, and only players with the Anniversary Edition will be allowed to enter.

NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition will include:

NBA 2K10 video game
2K Sports' NBA 2K10 game locker
3" Figurine of Kobe Bryant by McFarlane Toys
16" x 36" Kobe Bryant poster
Commemorative NBA 2K 10th anniversary DVD
Access to the Gold Room, the NBA 2K10 VIP online lobby (accessible only with Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network membership)

"NBA 2K is the premier basketball video game franchise for serious players, deeply rooted in rich and pure authenticity that real hoop heads get, which is why we've been the favorite NBA simulation for so long," said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. "We've always been very proud of how we engage our fans on a community level, and NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition is our way of giving back to all those that have supported us along the way."

Coming this fall, NBA 2K10 is expected to deliver the most realistic, stylistic, and feature-rich simulation experience ever available in the NBA 2K franchise – from gameplay to graphics, presentation and online features. Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K10 is not yet rated by the ESRB and will be available for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Wii system from Nintendo, and Windows PC. NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition will be available for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3.

For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com/games/nba2k10ae.

SOURCE Take-Two Interactive Software

New Pioneer Elite A/V Receivers Produce High Resolution Multi-Channel Sound Quality

jessica — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:11:24 +0000

July 1, 2009--Raising the bar on high power A/V Receiver performance, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today unveils four A/V Receivers designed to bring enhanced clarity, detail and dynamic "quick response" from uncompressed Dolby True-HD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks used in Blu-ray Disc entertainment. The new Pioneer Elite SC-25 and SC-27 A/V Receivers incorporate a Direct Energy HD Class D amplifier featuring ICEPower technology to ensure unprecedented reproduction of high resolution multi-channel, stereo as well as compressed audio and provide premium home entertainment that rivals the movie theater experience. Pioneer pushes the limits of A/V Receiver innovation with the Elite SC-27, which leverages the full advantages of this emerging amplification technology to become the industry’s first Class D amp design to achieve THX Ultra2 Plus as well as AIR Studio monitor certifications. Together, these achievements undoubtedly affirm the company’s position as the preeminent home entertainment manufacturer for the most critical home entertainment enthusiast.

Pioneer rounds out its new line with the Elite VSX-21TXH and VSX-23TXH models designed to serve as the quintessential HD control center for the newest home theater systems. For consumers seeking to transform their entertainment experience, the two A/V Receivers offer superior digital connectivity, stellar convenience features as well as custom installation-friendly options that represent the company's continued dedication to ultimate HD performance. As with the company's new lineup of Pioneer-branded iPhone / iPod certified AV receivers, all four models offer seamless connectivity to iPhone mobile devices.

"Our new Elite models deliver remarkable sound quality directly resulting from our collaboration with AIR Studios, which has allowed us to better understand the artistic vision of the studio professional and deliver the emotional impact they imagined for cinema and home audiences alike," said David Bales, manager of audio marketing and product planning for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "By working with THX, we are able to ensure these A/V receivers meet the performance requirements needed to recreate the movie theater experience in the home with faithful reproduction of multi-channel soundtracks. Pioneer believes the A/V receiver is the heart of the home theater experience, and our longstanding relationships with these experts reaffirm our passion to bring studio-quality sound with power and precision to the home entertainment experience."

"With this latest line of A/V receivers, Pioneer is the first and only consumer electronics manufacturer to reach THX Select2 and Ultra2 Plus certification requirements using a Class D amplifier solution," said Warren Mansfield, director of consumer technology at THX. "Integrating Class D amplification into a THX Certified A/V receiver is no simple task. Our testing requirements are incredibly strict for noise, distortion, frequency response and output. Pioneer has done a remarkable job of blending this new technology with the raw power and performance needed to accurately present cinematic soundtracks in the home."

Audiophile Performance Finally Realized

Pioneer's top two models, the Elite SC-25 and SC-27, fulfill highly rigorous audio specification standards for home entertainment products as determined by the AIR Studios and THX sound tuning and certification programs. To successfully recreate studio-quality sound within a home theater, Pioneer engineers worked in tandem with the renowned AIR and THX creative and technology experts to develop a highly efficient Class D amplification design that offers dynamic amplification capabilities and a bevy of proprietary processing technologies.

To the delight of entertainment purists, the SC-25 and SC-27 utilize Burr-Brown analog to digital converters (ADC) and renowned Wolfson digital to analog converters (DAC) that work to maintain high resolution performance throughout the entire digital signal processing chain from input to output. The SC-27 takes DAC performance further with a professional-grade Burr-Brown 192kHz / 24-Bit sampling rate converter (SRC) for ultra-wide dynamic range and advanced jitter reduction. Once integrated into the new generation entertainment systems, these two superior A/V receivers provide advanced processing for a new era in high resolution audio playback.

Connectivity for the Digital Future

The Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH and VSX-23TXH serve to compliment Pioneer's top-of-the-line Elite A/V receiver models. Utilizing Direct Energy Class A/B amplification with hand-selected DSP circuitry, these models provide dynamic home theater experiences. Outfitted with sophisticated video signal conversion, 1080p video scaling as well as interlaced to progressive conversion technologies, users can be assured of smooth and accurate picture reproduction on their HDTV's from any connected video device. As consumers continue to seek out the latest entertainment technologies, the VSX-21TXH and VSX-23TXH provide an abundance of connectivity solutions for current and new high definition as well as standard definition entertainment sources including Blu-ray Disc players, DVD players, game consoles, satellite boxes and more. Beginning with the VSX-23TXH, consumers can take advantage of additional front panel HDMI and USB inputs for immediate connection to digital camcorders, game consoles and emerging portable audio video entertainment devices.

Maximum User Convenience and Performance

Enhancing the overall user experience, the new Elite A/V receivers represent an all-digital entertainment solution for today’s media devices. All four models are equipped with an attractive, graphic user interface (GUI) that helps consumers and integrators streamline initial installation, calibration and control of multimedia content. For iPhone and iPod owners, the new Elite models are packaged with a customized USB / composite video cable for plug and play connectivity and control of one’s device. Users can navigate content using a central remote control option as well as deliver iPhone / iPod content to 2nd and 3rd zones using the receivers multi-zone capability and dynamic on-screen GUI. Most importantly, the new receivers take advantage of two proprietary digital audio enhancement functions, Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) and Auto Level Control (ALC), specially developed to provide multi-channel sound performance of digital audio tracks and other input sources by improving playback quality and volume consistency when heard through home theater speakers.

The new A/V Receivers continue to offer Pioneer's rich convenience features including:

Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) Multi-Channel: Developed to take advantage of the unique product synergy between certain Pioneer audio video devices, when the VSX-23TXH, SC-25 or SC-27 models are connected to the Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD Blu-ray Disc player via HDMI, users can take advantage of PQLS Multi-Channel that "speed synchronizes" the digital audio data between these products to deliver jitter-free audio transmission of advanced audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master
MCACC Room Tuning: The industry's ground-breaking room calibration feature, Advanced Multi-Channel AcoustiC Calibration (MCACC) works to significantly upgrade sound playback quality in any room configuration. Working hand-in-hand with AIR Studios professional sound engineers, MCACC is directly infused with the audio reproduction philosophies of these studio experts. A quick one-touch command begins an equalization process that optimizes a room's acoustics by making subtle adjustments to a connected speaker system, neutralizes the sound field of the listening area and meticulously fine tunes for exceptional sonic performance. Utilizing phase control technology, the new receivers can eliminate signal distortion that are sometimes caused by low frequency sound sources and ensure audio arrives at the listening position in sync
Network Entertainment: The newest generation of Pioneer's sophisticated streaming function now offers access to the Sirius Satellite Radio and Rhapsody subscription music service. With Rhapsody, SC-25 and SC-27 owners have full on-demand access to a library of more than seven million songs and over 160 professionally programmed music channels right from their A/V receiver. Users can continue to stream and immediately enjoy their personal digital video, music and photos from a networked computer's hard drive through the receiver to a connected home theater system

"Rhapsody is excited to gain an exceptional consumer electronics brand like Pioneer as a partner," says Drew Denbo, general manager of business development for Rhapsody. "This partnership is another step toward our vision of allowing users to access Rhapsody wherever and whenever they want to listen to music."

Robust Build Quality

Taking a cue from the Elite SC-09 flagship model, the newest models utilize unique Separated Component and Direct Construction techniques that have come to define Pioneer's expertise, featuring improved isolation between the pre-amplifier and amplifier sections for precise, high powered reproduction of today's demanding high resolution audio formats at extremely efficient power consumption rates. With great efforts to align and take advantage of the shared passion for cinematic performance in the home theater arena, Pioneer is excited to offer new products that recreate the entertainment experience intended by the original artists.

Ready for Custom Installation Applications

Pioneer outfits all four A/V receivers with a series of home integration specifications, a direct outcome of in-depth surveys and conversations to discover then provide mandatory requirements for a truly custom-install-ready product line that features:

Multi-room, multi-source capability: All four models serve as the entertainment centerpiece of a minimum of 2 zone applications, and consumers can even step-up to third zone AV with the VSX-23TXH. For ultimate HD home theater performance, the SC-27 provides a 2nd Zone Component video output for multi-zone HD integration.
Dedicated custom installation website support for immediate access to additional control codes
Dual HDMI outputs for two video devices simultaneously (VSX-23TXH and above)
Detachable power cord: All four Elite models now offer installers increased flexibility to fit the receivers in an array of room, rack, and cabinet spaces.
RS232 port for PC and third-party control protocols and modules

The Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH and VSX-23TXH will begin shipping in July 2009 for the suggested retail prices of $700 and $900, respectively. Pioneer's Elite SC-25TXH and SC-27 are shipping in August 2009 with the suggested retail prices of $1700 and $2000, respectively.

More details can be located at www.pioneerelectronics.com.

SOURCE Pioneer

eMachines Intros New White Mini-Tower Desktop PCs

jessica — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:10:07 +0000

eMachines just announced they have added new mini-tower PCs with matching monitors to their line-up – these in shiny white with green LED lighting. The new eMachines ET1300-02, ET1810-01 and ET1810-03 desktop PCs all come with a matching keyboard and widescreen display with built-in speakers. They are loaded with either AMD or Intel processors and 2GB or 3GB of DDR2 memory, 160GB or 320GB hard drives and feature NVIDIA graphics. A media hub is on the front of the PC so you can easily connect flash drives, cameras etc.

The new eMachines ET Series PCs range in price from only $299.99 to $449.99.

Models / Specs / Pricing

eMachines ET1300-02

AMD Athlon X2 4850e Dual-Core Processor (2.5GHz, 512KB x2 L2 cache)
Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1
NVIDIA GeForce G100 w/512MBMB
3GB DDR2 memory
160GB SATA (7200 RPM) hard drive
18x DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring Labelflash Technology
Multi-in-one digital media card reader
VGA, DVI and HDMI connectors
6 USB 2.0 ports (2 front / 4 rear)
18.5-inch widescreen LCD with built-in speakers (eMachines E182H wm)
$449.99 MSRP

eMachines ET1810-03

Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor E2210 (2.2GHz, 1MB L2 cache)
Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1
Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 7050 graphics
3GB DDR2 memory
320GB SATA (7200 RPM) hard drive
18x DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring Labelflash Technology
Multi-in-one digital media card reader
6 USB 2.0 ports (2 front / 4 rear)
1 VGA port
$369.99 MSRP

eMachines ET1810-01

Intel Celeron Processor 420 (1.6GHz, 512KB L2 cache)
Windows Vista Home Basic with Service Pack 1
Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 7050 graphics
2GB DDR2 memory
160GB SATA (7200 RPM) hard drive
18x DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring Labelflash Technology
Multi-in-one digital media card reader
6 USB 2.0 ports (2 front / 4 rear)
1 VGA port
$299.99 MSRP

eMachines E182H wm Display

18.5" Widescreen Viewable TFT Active Matrix
16:9 Aspect Ratio
1366x768 (HD Ready) Resolution
CrystalBrite
Inputs: 1xVGA, 1xPC audio
5 ms Response Time
300 cd/m2 Brightness
10000:1 (Dynamic) Contrast Ratio
170(H) / 160(V) Viewing Angle
16.7M Color Depth
Built-in stereo speakers
Energy Star compliant
Vista Premium Certified
$129.99 MSRP

Visit www.emachines.com for more information.

Vuzix AV310 Video Eyewear is Both 3-D and iPhone Compatible

jessica — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:57:09 +0000

We've told you about the AV310 video eyewear from Vuzix in the past, and now Vuzix has announced that the AV310 16 x 9 widescreen video glasses are fully compatible with the new iPhone 3Gs and all major 3-D video formats. That means that all of your 2-D and 3-D video content stored on your iPhone can be viewed on the AV310's simulated 52-inch big screen. The battery life is decent too. AV310 video eyewear can run for up to 6 hours on one AA battery.

3-D is becoming one of the most popular video formats…not only in movies, but also showing up in the latest video games. Vuzix has realized the importance of making their products compatible to this major video format…and the AV310 is proof.

Want to know more about the future of 3-D? Read what the CEO of DreamWorks thinks about it here.

Vuzix AV310 video eyewear is available now for $249.95.

New Power Solutions That Help Consumers' Electronics Keep Going

Justin Hubbell — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:30:00 +0000

From power for iPhone and Smart phones to netbooks and camcorders, Energizer continues to develop innovative and creative portable power solutions for on-the-go consumers. Making its debut will be the new line of Energizer Energi To Go branded rechargeable power packs and emergency charger products for all types of mobile electronic devices.

The Energi To Go line, which currently features the Energi To Go Portable Power for Cell Phones, is greatly expanding to include rechargeable power packs that use lithium polymer battery technology to power a wide variety of mobile electronic devices including Smart and cell phones, iPhone, iPod and MP3 players, GPS units, digital cameras and camcorders, netbooks and laptops.

Over 10 new products will be available nationwide within the next month, including:

Energizer Energi To Go XP: A line of portable power systems includes seven products that ranging in size and power from a 600 mAh wallet-sized charger for cell phones to a 18,000 mAh charger that can power up to three devices at once, including a laptop computer.
Energizer Energi To Go AP: chargers designed to mimic the shape and styling of the iPhone giving users up to double the life.
Energizer Energi To Go SP: solar-driven power packs available in 1000 mAh and 2000 mAh options.

Click here for other consumer benefits Energizer plans to offer.

The new Energizer Energi To Go portable power packs will be available nationwide beginning in July in Staples stores and online at Amazon.com and Buy.com. It will also be available mid-summer to early-fall in additional retailers nationwide. Prices vary by model and range from $19.99 to $199.99.