BestStuff

G-Form Outs New iPhone 4 Cases that Can Survive 82 mph Slapshot

jessica — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

G-Form, the company famous for its demonstration of protecting an iPad from a 100,000 foot fall from the stratosphere, now has its first protective cases for iPhone 4/4S. In typical G-Form fashion, the company released a video of its new iPhone case taking some extreme punishment, this time using a G-Form protected iPhone as a puck in a hockey rink!

The cases for iPhone 4 are designed and manufactured in the United States, and are protected by RPT material - a revolutionary composite, blending Poron XRD material with other proprietary G-Form materials and technology.

"Our energy absorbing technology doesn’t rely on thickness like typical foams or hard plastics, so we are able to design both athletic and electronic protective gear that offers unbelievable protection from impact, but without the bulk of any traditional technology," said Thom Cafaro VP Innovations. "The new G-Form iPhone 4 case is a perfect example of this, with its sleek design and unsurpassed impact protection."

Two designs will be available - the "X Protect" and "Extreme Grid" - and each design is offered in both black and yellow. The complete selections of styles and colors can be found at www.g-form.com for $39.95. The cases are available now for pre-order and deliver end of February 2012.

Meridian's HD621 HDMI Audio Processor Gets 3D Update

jessica — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:17:16 +0000

Meridian Audio announced on Wednesday that its HD621 HDMI Audio Processor now supports 3D video formats, thanks to a firmware update.

Meridian's HD621 is the link between a Meridian system and the latest sources that use HDMI. HD621 separates HDMI audio and video, usually carried via the same cable, delivering pristine audio to a Meridian system. Meanwhile the video content is fed direct to the display via a single cable, eliminating additional switching. And now, the HD621 gets even better with its brand new firmware which adds support for 3D video formats.

HD621 also performs up- and down-sampling of digital audio, and includes Meridian's FIFO buffering technology to remove jitter and deliver a significant improvement in sound quality from all HDMI sources.

The 3D capable firmware is already being installed in all new HD621 HDMI Audio Processors, and is now available to all Meridian retailers and installers who can update products already installed in customers' homes.

Canon Outs Ten New PowerShot Digital Cameras

jessica — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:23:54 +0000

Canon on Tuesday took the wraps off of ten new PowerShot digital cameras. The lineup includes Wi-Fi models, a new rugged digital cam, and one with a 20x zoom (to name a few).

Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS

First up is the flagship of the ELPH line - the PowerShot ELPH 530 HS. Measuring in at a mere .78 inches thick, this Wi-Fi enabled camera packs a 10-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 image processor, and 12x optical zoom into its tiny body.

The ELPH 530 HS sports a 3.2-inch LCD touch screen and also records 1080p Full HD video. Additional features include Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes, Face ID for up to 12 registered subjects and Intelligent Image Stabilization (IS).

The PowerShot ELPH 530 HS will be available in April 2012 in black or white for $349.99.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 320 HS

Also featuring Wi-Fi connectivity, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 320 HS camera features a 16.1 megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor for high-quality, low-light images. Canon's HS SYSTEM is also included on this model.

Additional features include a 5x-Optical Zoom 24mm wide-angle lens, 3.2-inch LCD touch screen, Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes, Face ID and Intelligent IS. The PowerShot ELPH 320 HS also shoots 1080p Full HD video.

The camera will be available in black, silver, blue and red for $279.99 in March 2012.

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

Nex up, the PowerShot SX260 HS. This baby touts a 20x Optical Zoom and 25mm Wide-Angle lens with Optical Image Stabilization - all in a body measuring just 1.29-inches thick.

The PowerShot SX260 HS features a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 image processor, along with Canon's HS SYSTEM for improved low-light shooting. It records 1080p Full HD video and also includes Smart AUTO scene selection with 58 scenes, Face ID, Intelligent IS and GPS photo tagging. In addition, the camera includes High-Speed Burst HQ for approximately 10 high-resolution shots to be captured at a continuous rate at 10.3 frames per second.

The PowerShot SX260 HS will be available in three colors – black, green and red – in March 2012 for $349.99.

Canon PowerShot D20

Great for outdoor photographers, the waterproof, shock-proof, and freeze-proof PowerShot D20 features the HS SYSTEM incorporating a 12.1-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor. Also included is a 3.0-inch LCD screen, 5x optical zoom lens, GPS for photo tagging and Intelligent IS. It shoots 1080p Full HD video.

The PowerShot D20 also features a handy, easy access button that lets you switch from normal photo mode to snow or underwater mode, even with gloves on. Speaking of underwater, the camera includes a built-in underwater macro mode for excellent up close pictures while shooting underwater. Wind reduction technology is also included for clear audio when recording video.

The PowerShot D20 camera will be available in May 2012 for $349.99.

Adding to the group of PowerShot digital cameras are six new models in the PowerShot A-series lineup – and for the first time in a PowerShot A-series, the A4000 IS, A3400 IS and A2400 IS models all come packed with Intelligent IS. All of the new A-series models also include the Smart AUTO feature with 32 shooting modes and all have a Help button – another first in a PowerShot model.

PowerShot A4000 IS and PowerShot A3400 IS

The Canon PowerShot A4000 IS and PowerShot A3400 IS cameras both tout a Genuine Canon Lens with Optical Image Stabilization, with the PowerShot A4000 IS packing in an 8x-Optical Zoom lens - the longest to date for a PowerShot A-series model. The PowerShot A3400 IS camera has a 5x-Optical Zoom.

In addition, both cameras have a 3-inch LCD screen - the PowerShot A3400's screen is a Touch Panel (another first for a PowerShot A-series), featuring Touch Focus and Touch Shutter shooting modes.

The PowerShot A4000 IS camera will be available in February in black, silver, blue, red and pink for $199.99.

The PowerShot A3400 IS will be available in March in black, silver, red and gold for $179.99.

PowerShot A2400 IS and PowerShot A2300

Up next are the PowerShot A2400 IS and PowerShot A2300 cameras. They both include a 5x-Optical Zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. The PowerShot A2400 IS camera also has Optical Image Stabilization. It is scheduled to be available in March in black, silver, blue and pink for $159.99. The PowerShot A2300 camera will be available in March for $149.99 in black, silver, red and blue.

PowerShot A1300 and PowerShot A810

Last but not least are two cameras for the more traditional camera user. The PowerShot A1300 camera comes with an optical viewfinder and both the PowerShot A1300 and PowerShot A810 feature a 5x-Optical Zoom lens, 2.7-inch LCD screen and use AA batteries for easy replacement while on-the-go.

The PowerShot A1300 will be available in April for $119.99, in black and silver.

The PowerShot A810 will be available in April for $109.99, in black, silver and red.

For more information on all the new Canon PowerShot cameras go to: www.usa.canon.com/powershot

ZTE Optik Tablet from Sprint Now Available for Under $100

David Novak — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:25:47 +0000

Sprint's ZTE Optik tablet became available on Sunday, Feb. 5. You can get it now through Sprint direct ship sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Sprint Business Sales, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and online (www.sprint.com) for just $99.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement. It is also available without a service agreement for $349.99, and business customers may qualify for special pricing.

Powered by Android 3.2, Honeycomb, the version of Android designed specifically for tablets, ZTE Optik is a dynamic e-reader, media player and portable computing device. It features a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with WXGA 1280x800 resolution that allows the user to get work done or stay entertained surfing the web, playing games and watching videos with Adobe Flash enabled websites. It has two cameras – a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera and front-facing 2-megapixel camera that enables video chat.

Currently it runs on a 3G connection -- there's no WiMAX or LTE in sight. There is, however, the usual Bluetooth and GPS antenna on board, as well as a MicroSD slot for adding more memory. If you're not keen on locking yourself into a two year contract for a CDMA-only device, you can pick up the Swype-sporting tab for $350 obligation-free.

Additional key features of ZTE Optik include:

Sprint Zone, Sprint TV, Sprint Music Plus, Sprint Navigation, Sprint Football Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM
Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
Swype
Integrated GPS
4000 mAh Lithium-ion battery
Expandable memory slot, supporting up to a 32GB microSD card (not included)
Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR
Stereo speakers
3.5mm headset

Check out the video and full press release...

ZTE Optik is an Android Tablet Offering Sprint Customers a Combination E-reader, Media Player and Portable Computing Device at an Affordable Price

Available beginning Feb. 5, ZTE Optik boasts a 7-inch touchscreen display, Android 3.2, Honeycomb, and dual cameras for under $100

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. & RICHARDSON, Texas – Feb. 2, 2012 – Beginning on Sunday, Feb. 5, Sprint (NYSE:S) will introduce its first tablet for under $100, ZTE Optik™, a Sprint 3G tablet featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display with WXGA 1280x800 resolution and pinch-to-zoom, Android™ 3.2, Honeycomb, and dual cameras.

ZTE Optik will be available through Sprint direct ship sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Sprint Business Sales, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and online (www.sprint.com) for just $99.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement. It will also be available without a service agreement for $349.99, and business customers may qualify for special pricing. (All pricing excludes tax.)

"Sprint is committed to delivering exceptional value and feature-rich devices to our customers," said David Owens, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. "ZTE Optik packs great features for under $100. When this device is combined with our Tablet Connection plans, customers can easily keep their personal and professional lives organized, stay connected with their social networks and get things done while on the go."

Powered by Android 3.2, Honeycomb, the version of Android designed specifically for tablets, ZTE Optik is a dynamic e-reader, media player and portable computing device. It features a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm®Snapdragon® processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and 7-inch capacitive touchscreen that allows the user to get work done or stay entertained surfing the web, playing games and watching videos with Adobe®Flash® enabled websites. It has two cameras – a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera and front-facing 2-megapixel camera that enables video chat.

"ZTE Optik is ZTE's first tablet in North America and makes the tablet experience available to a new segment of consumers," said Lixin Cheng, CEO, ZTE USA and president, North America Region, ZTE. "Paired with Sprint's cutting-edge network, ZTE Optik provides an exceptional user experience to consumers who demand affordability, flexibility and mobility in one package."

For those that want to get more out of their tablet, ZTE Optik provides access to Android Market™, which features more than 400,000 useful apps, games and widgets. Additional key features of ZTE Optik include:

Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Google Books™ and YouTube™
Sprint Zone, Sprint TV, Sprint Music Plus, Sprint Navigation, Sprint Football Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM
Wi-Fi® (802.11 b/g)
Swype™
Integrated GPS
4000 mAh Lithium-ion battery
Expandable memory slot, supporting up to a 32GB microSD card (not included)
Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR
Stereo speakers
3.5mm headset

ZTE Optik can be activated on one of Sprint's Tablet Connection plans. Sprint offers four plans designed specifically for tablets, starting at $19.99 for 1GB of data, $34.99 for 3GB of data, $49.99 for 6GB of data and $79.99 for 12GB of data.1 (All pricing excludes taxes and surcharges.) Customers are able to view their data usage by logging into My Sprint at www.sprint.com.

ZTE Optik can also be used as a Mobile Hotspot allowing up to five users to simultaneously surf the web using Wi-Fi®. The Mobile Hotspot option is available for an additional $29.99 per month and utilizes data in the customer’s tablet plan. (All pricing excludes taxes and surcharges).

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 53 million customers at the end of 3Q 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index showed Sprint is the #1 most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, over the last three years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in its 2011 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

About ZTE USA
ZTE USA is a subsidiary of ZTE Corporation (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions. ZTE USA is dedicated to making quality communications technology accessible to all. The company draws on more than 25 years of experience and research investment to deliver smart, affordable, quality choices for infrastructure and mobile data device customers nationwide. For more information, visit www.zteusa.com.

About ZTE
ZTE is a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every sector of the wireline, wireless, service and terminals markets. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to over 500 operators in more than 140 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while achieving continued revenue growth. ZTE’s 2010 revenue led the industry with a 21% increase to USD10.609 billion. ZTE commits 10 percent of its revenue to research and development and takes a leading role in a wide range of international bodies developing emerging telecoms standards. A company with sound corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZTE is a member of the UN Global Compact. ZTE is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer, publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.

David Novak is an internationally syndicated columnist. His column, the GadgetGUY, appears in over 120 newspapers around the world each week, enjoying over 3 million in readership. The GadgetGUY has his pulse on everything related to new gadgets, computers, camcorders, car tech, cameras, gaming, TVs, computers, wireless devices, media devices, cell phones, home appliances, wearable technology, sports science, power tools and gadget news.

Romance Your Loved One with a Valentine's Day Package at The Ritz-Carlton

jessica — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:40:14 +0000

Still looking for that perfect place to take your loved one this Valentine's Day? Consider these packages from The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is offering a delicious "Countdown to Valentine's" Calendar inspired by rich chocolate in creative variations, giving guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead stylish ways to celebrate romance in February.

From candy-making classes for couples, to chocolate Spa treatments to cocktails, desserts and more, chocolate lovers are on notice to mark their calendars for rich, delectable experiences. Here is a list of what you can take part in from now through Valentine's Day.

Wednesday February 8 – Pairing Chocolate with Port and Aperitifs
Sommelier Linda Torres Alarcon guides Club Level guests in an informal tasting of rich chocolates paired with her very special selections: Quinta do Noval, Tawny Port, "10 Yr Old", Douro, Portugaland Cocchi, Barolo Chinato, Piedmont, Italy. The Club Lounge from 8 to 9 pm.

Thursday February 9 – "Haute Fashion, Haute Chocolate"
Neiman Marcus presents informal modeling of the season's "haute-est" fashions during Chocolate Afternoon Tea. All fashions and accessories are red or pink—the colors of the moment! The Lobby Lounge, 2:30 to 4 pm, $34

Friday February 10 - Aztec Manhattan
Mixologist Christa Sladky's newest cocktail recipe includes bourbon, vermouth, house-made spiced cocoa nib syrup and Bittermen's Xocolatl Mole.

February 1 through 14 in The Lobby Lounge and February 2 through 4 and 9 through 11 in The Wine Bar, $14

Saturday February 11 - "Haute Couples, Haute Chocolate" Candy-Making Class and Lunch
Loving couples join our ingenious pastry chef Dallas Marsteller to make a luscious assortment of hand-rolled Valrhona chocolate truffles just in time for Valentine's Day. After class, everyone enjoys a delightful three-course lunch in The Café. Class starts at 11 am, with lunch following.

Limited to five couples only. $125 per couple, inclusive of taxes and gratuities

Sunday February 12 – Haute Chocolate Sunday Brunch
Magnificent chocolate sculptures grace our presentation of glorious chocolate desserts. Look for White Chocolate Lemon Bar, Whoopie Pie, Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Miniature Chocolate Cream Pie and Baileys Irish Cream Milk Chocolate Cake. 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, $59

Monday February 13 - Love Potion No. 5
This couple's massage features an alluring mélange of five essential oils— cranberry, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and orange—and is offered all month. 50 minutes, $290.

Cocoa Truffle Tea, a light cocoa-infused tea, is complimentary with spa treatments in February.

Tuesday February 14 - "Two Hearts are One" Dessert in The Café
Dessert becomes a romantic work of art: Valentine's couples enjoy a chocolate dessert for two, which transforms into two hearts melting together. $14

Guests may also select these a la carte selections from February 10 through 14:

First Course: Lobster Raviolis with Chanterelle Mushrooms, Creamed Corn, Trout Roe, $24
Entree: Smoked G.F. Swift Beef Tenderloin, Celery Root Purée, Apple, Bacon, Shallot Jus, $45

Overnight Valentine's Day Package includes:

Deluxe accommodations for one evening
American Breakfast for two in hotel restaurant
Bottle of chilled Champagne
Chocolate amenity
Rose petal turndown
Overnight valet parking

Valid February 10, 11, 14, 17 and 18, 2012
Starting at $299 USD per night

For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/Buckhead

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Located in Amelia Island, Florida, one of the most popular beach destinations on the East Coast, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is offering a Romance Package, giving you the opportunity to spend treasured time with your special someone.

Romance Package

Overnight accommodations
Welcome amenity of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries
Rose petal turn down
Breakfast for two via In Room Dining or Southern Breakfast Buffet in Café 4750
2 p.m. late check-out
Overnight valet parking

Valid through March 31, 2012
Starting at $379 USD per night

Additional Events at Amelia Island for Valentine's Day

Winemaker Dinner Series in Salt

Thursday, February 23, 2012 - 6:30 p.m.
A Wine Tour of Columbia Valley with Gary Hogue, Hogue Wines. A special four course tasting menu, pairings and conversation with Hogue Founder.

$120 pp ++ Limited Seating and prior reservations required.

Valentine's Day at Salt

Tuesday, February 14, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Celebrate a night of romance with a delectable 4 course menu prepared by Chef de Cuisine, Rick Laughlin. Reservations recommended.

Beach Lovers Fire by the Dunes

Friday and Saturday Evenings, 6 p.m - 10 p.m.

Enjoy your own romantic fire for two nestled against the dunes. Cuddle with warm blankets, comfy Adirondack chairs, s'mores, hot chocolate, telescope and star gazers map. This is a memory you will always treasure.

For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland.

Digital Signage: A Look at the Year Ahead

jessica — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The digital signage industry is only just beginning to hit its stride and move into more "non-traditional" areas such as education, hospitality, retail. We are seeing a rapid drive of broader range environments that are finding that they must "bid, compete" for people's time and attention.

Waiting areas in pharmacies, healthcare institutions, call centers/support organizations, offices are using digital signage to present a high interest, highly effective controlled message. Even in manufacturing operations and employee communications firms are using their intranet to keep employees abreast of company and industry information as well as enhance their training/education.

Digital signage has matured to a point where it is no longer simply a paper sign replacement but in the case of retail is a seamlessly integrated part of the total point of sale system/operation.

This integration will become even more prominent in the coming year and years as digital signage will become so ubiquitous that it will be there delivering your message but most of the information will be registering without your fully being aware. This coming year we'll see music and focused as well as open information systems being widely adopted as well as real-time message management.

2011 marked the beginning of much more responsible management and marketing going well beyond – good looking, feel good digital signage – with a greater focus on measurement metrics that enabled management to more precisely determine the honest ROI of their investments but also to test/evaluate alternatives in near real-time.

Marketing managers have been at the forefront in this aspect and have been able to tangibly see that they can very finitely measure almost every aspect of their signage investment – types of messages, timing of messages, signage location, movement, tie-ins with social media.

Along the way our team has become much more adept at providing consultative assistance with organizations that are carrying out trial deployments to assist the organizations in developing – and measuring – the efforts and their results.

Organizations in every segment – screens, players, software, services – are feeling tremendous price pressure to deliver more, better solutions for less. Our channel partners who previously enjoyed "reasonable" margins are relying more on established partnership relationships not just for profit assistance but in leveraging experience and expertise to produce and deliver unique and measurable solutions for customers. It is highly doubtful if we will ever return to the "good old days" of minimal support/service and aggressive profits.

We believe that 2012 could mark the beginning of industry consolidation in every segment including channel partners. The freewheeling days of fragmented efforts and activities are either gone or disappearing very rapidly.

We simply have too many companies – in every segment – that are losing money because they have poor process control or the signage area is simply a sideline activity and not part of the company's main business venture. In addition there are organizations that are undercapitalized so that they can't afford to invest in the necessary volume, market ownership to become a strong, viable market participant.

The weak, undernourished, under committed organizations will be displaced or absorbed by the industry's most refined and focused companies. While consolidation is often traumatic for individuals in the companies it does weed out the weak, infirm and ultimately produce a healthier, more vital industry.

By Jeff Hastings, CEO BrightSign

Price Impact: OLED TVs versus LED-backlit LCDs

jessica — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:08:58 +0000

It's a well-known fact that new technology ushers in a barrage of deals on the previous-generation tech it replaces. We've seen that occur with processors, smartphones, laptops, and even tablets. But this year the stakes are higher as the TV industry braces itself for one of the biggest debuts we've seen since the introduction of high definition.

At this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, both LG and Samsung showcased their next-generation OLED HDTVs. As CNET succinctly puts it, OLED has the potential to be the best TV technology ever. And as the waiting game begins for the first big-screen OLED HDTV to hit the U.S. market (CNET estimates LG's 55" 55EM9600 will debut first in Q3), we can't help but wonder how OLED will affect prices of other TVs, specifically LED-based LCDs.

So to get a glimpse into the type of deals we might see on LED-backlit LCDs after OLED debuts, we decided to see how LED itself impacted pricing when it hit the market. Thus, we turned back the clock to the summer of 2009. In the first three months that we debuted deals on 55" LED-backlit LCDs, their counterparts — 55" CCFL-based LCDs — dropped a whopping $701. Sure, you could argue that 55" CCFL LCDs were already declining in price (which they were), but their steepest price drops in 2009 didn't come on the traditional Black Friday, but rather, they came in August, the month after we posted our first 55" LED TV deal; plus, that sharp of a drop over so short a period of time is abnormal. CCFL sets slowly kept eroding in price as we listed more and more deals on LED TVs.

So how did these above-average price drops come about? They were mainly the result of nervous retailers. In the short term, retailers had to take a hit in profits to move inventory that was now considered "old." However, in the long term, it was manufacturers who lost the most, because retailers often have ratchets that allow them to return unsold products. Either way, both scenarios were wins for the consumer, because to move those "old" CCFL LCDs, prices had to go down.

Which brings us back to 2012. As deal hunters, we're excited to see Samsung and LG debut their respective OLED TVs because that means we're likely to see a strong wave of discounts on LED LCD TVs. (Specifically on 55" sets, since it appears LG and Samsung are focusing their OLED TVs in that size category.) And with LG's OLED TV due out in September, that could mean better-than-average holiday TV deals this Christmas.

Full story: http://dealnews.com/features/Will-OLED-TVs-Usher-in-Better-Deals-on-LED-Backlit-LCDs-/542134.html

Louis Ramirez has covered technology for Gizmodo, CNET, Laptop, and various other publications. Follow him on Twitter at @LouisRamirez.

JVC Announces NX-BX3 iPod and iPhone Nightstand Speaker

David Novak — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:01:34 +0000

The latest in gadget news has to do with JVC's new tabletop home theater sound system, the NX-BX3 for iPods and iPhones. It's JVC's first 2x30W sound system for iPod and iPhone, and is designed to replace your actual nightstand!

Available in both black and white, the NX-BX3 has a weight of 20kg for a size of 500x300x110mm and offers all the features that can be found in other iPhone/iPod speaker docks. It sports an FM tuner and SRS StudioSound HD for around $400.

The next time you buy an iPod dock, ask yourself this important question: can I put a lamp on it? It can hold glasses or a flower vase on its top -- really, the sky's the limit (plus some general weight restrictions) when it comes to the things you can place on top of it.

The dock arrives in Japan this month, and will follow in the US this summer.

The JVC NX-BX3 is certainly a unique idea, and it helps remove the nightstand clutter, freeing up space for more important things like your sleep mask and good books.

PS Vita Demo Units Arrive at GameStop

jessica — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Sony's newest handheld gaming system goes on sale February 22, but if you want to be one of the first to try out the device, you can head to one of more than 3,300 GameStop locations for a playable demo unit of this new technology. Decide you have to have one? GameStop also announced that they will give you $25 toward the purchase of the new PS Vita when you trade in your existing Nintendo DS, 3DS or Sony PSP system.

The PlayStation Vita features a five-inch OLED multi-touch screen, front and rear touch pads, dual analog sticks, dual cameras and six-axis motion sensing system. A variety of games will be available to demo, including:

UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss
Little Deviants
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer
ModNation Racers: Road Trip
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition
Escape Plan
wipEout 2048

The PS Vita launches in the U.S. on February 22, 2012, but you can get your hands on it a week early by pre-ordering the First Edition Bundle from GameStop. The bundle will be available on Feb. 15. It includes:

PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi system
PS Vita case
Little Deviants game
4GB memory card
AT&T DataConnect Pass good for one free 250MB data session ($14.99 value) upon purchase of one 250 MB data session
PlayStation Network game voucher provided upon 3G activation on the AT&T mobile broadband network.*

The bundle will sell for $349.99 (valued at $435 – that’s $85 off!). When the PS Vita launches on February 22, three additional options will be available: a Wi-Fi model for $249.99, a 3G/Wi-Fi model for $299.99 and a limited edition PS Vita Launch Bundle that will include:

PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi system
8GB memory card
AT&T DataConnect Pass good for one free 250MB data session ($14.99 value) upon purchase of one 250MB data session
PlayStation Network game voucher provided upon 3G activation for $299.

This bundle is part of a promotional offer and availability is limited.

To learn more about the trade up offer or to find a GameStop store with a playable PS Vita demo unit, visit www.GameStop.com/PSVitaDemos.

MacWorld: It's The Event, Not the Tradeshow

jessica — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:46:07 +0000

2nd Event – While CES has a much wider array of Apple-centric products/solutions than this year's Macworld/iWorld, the event was still an opportunity for the fans to see what all of the iTalk was about and to renew old acquaintances.

If you spent a few days in SinCity for Macworld I (CES) to see the star-studded array of Apple-centric hardware, software, semi-ware; it sorta' took your breath away.

Then you go to San Francisco to see Macworld II to see a lot of the same only with a dramatically smaller venue.

At Macworld I, there were thousands of booths and hundreds of thousands of people jamming in booths, standing in cab lines and hoping for a dinner reservation.

At Macworld II, there were hundreds of booths, thousands of people checking out stuff with credit cards in hand, hailing cabs, eating at charming out-of-the-way restaurants.

The biggest news at the event wasn't the stuff on the floor but:

Apple's blow-out results for the quarter in sales/profits
Apple's huge cache of money (nearly $100B) sitting in offshore accounts
Apple passing HP in PC sales
The assertions that Apple didn't care about the working conditions for employees at their suppliers (fortunately, Cook subsequently and vehemently said wasn't true)

Showy Difference
Macworld I may have had its drive-in theater LG OLED TV screen, but the real Macworld had a $68,000 set of speakers … so take that Shapiro!

Rich Sounds – They may not sound like your Bose speakers, but the $68,000 red leather-lined, diamond-studded speakers from All Jack would certainly make a statement in your home or apartment. Photo – PC World

It's totally unfair to compare the two events and you try not to but…you just can't.

The only thing missing from Macworld this year was the swap meet of the very earliest of Macworlds when pale-skinned "artistic" folks walked the aisles.

It's not bad … just different.

IDG, the show owner, has tried to keep the show relevant and does change with the times since the event's namesake is shown in every booth without an overriding presence.

With iPads, iPhones in everyone's hands and IT struggling to manage/support consumer electronics in the enterprise, we'd like to see more professional stuff and fewer gadgets for geeks and regular folks.

Maybe IDG can work on that for next year; but this year, Macworld/iWorld had a whole lot of fashion items and some serious (business) exhibitors.

Not that the other items weren't serious, but we use our iPad for work first. Then, since work spills over into our home, it's used to handle personal stuff as well.

Beyond Bling
Companies/products with a business-for-profit perspective included:

Winjit offers some unique solutions to enhance sales force automation, brand building, service and retail operations, mobile payments, near field communications and extending enterprise systems.
VIPorbit provides instant access to all relationship details, quick scheduling, and easy communication, including social media.
Connected demonstrated their updated team collaboration solution which is great for helping teams work more efficiently, effectively.
On the heels of Apple announcing its education venture, OWC introduced its GripStand station that stores, charges and syncs up to eight GripStand encased iPads.
NewSoft's Presto! PageManager lets you read, organize, share and manage documents directly from your iPad.
BulletTrain and iKeyboard introduced different approaches of keyboard solutions to make it easier for touch typists to use the iPad on-screen keyboard.
Dragon gave its answer to Siri which has shown remarkable improvements on speech identification over the years.

Storage
Pre-2009, there used to be a lot of hardware add-on, add-in suppliers at the show; but with a few rare (and good) exceptions, most of the hardware shown at the event related to iPads, iPhones.

The two that stood out were Other World Computing and HP.

The Mac was – and probably still is – the video production system of choice among professionals and prosumers. So the OWC Jupiter mini-SAS storage solution seemed to be something video production folks – and businesses – would find applicable.

Business, Creative Storage – OWC debuted a high-performance, easily expandable Jupiter min-SAS product that grabbed the attention of the few content producers and deliverers who attended this year's event. While it didn't have all the flash that iLovers were looking for, it delivers the price/performance videographers and small businesses need.

The scalable rack-mounted solution would be great for creative types--especially the growing number of independent video operations--because it delivers three times faster I/O than fibre channel and twice the throughput of Thunderbolt. And it does it at a cost that is less than comparable fibre channel storage solutions.

For video production organizations, the ultra-fast interface delivers constant and consistent data access performance preventing dropped frames.

In business applications, it increases productivity and cuts time costs associated with copying files to each workstation.

It seems to be extremely expandable and would fit into any IT operation – small business on up.

Providing up to 4TB of storage the company also showed off their miniStack which provides plug-n-play storage for Macs and PCs. The company delivers a solution that includes hard drive, internal DVD drive, and SD card reading capabilities for storing music, photo and video libraries. You can even burn backups with the optical drive.

With USB 3.0, 2.0, Firewire 800/400 and eSATA ports, it should be easy to use as a home server and a small business solution.

Printing
Macophiles have no love for Windows-based systems and especially HP's, but they do love the company's printers.

They have always been the printer of choice for creatives and the camp followers.

HP didn't disappoint those who attended the event with the goal of finding products they could use in their work.

Think, Print – Real Mac users still came to Macworld to see what new economic printing solutions HP is bringing out for them. This year, they got more than they bargained for--including the sorta unattractive new LaserJet Pro 400 and other high-performance printers and devices.

HP rolled out a whole series of LaserJet printers and multi-function devices, including the new HP LaserJet Pro 400 color printer shown above as well as their 300 multi-function printer and high-speed M475 printer.

They also showed off their new TopShot printer -- an economic color laser printer that is also a 3D scanner.

If you're a Mac person who does really large format printing such as a one-off and limited number of posters they had the solution.

But Mostly an iShow
Yep, that about did it for serious stuff because all the other solutions seemed to be focused on doing something more with your iPad, iPhone.

It would be great if IDG could figure out some way to tie-in all of their experience/work in the IT arena and the growing use of Apple devices in the business environment to help some of our IT friends figure out exactly how they're going to support and protect the devices and data at work.

In what Apple has tagged the post-PC era, IDC has said that the company has a pretty solid grip on the $450 and above tablet market and probably share the business smartphone area with Samsung, their big supplier and arch enemy.

But then since the BYOD (bring your own device) office solution has taken hold; Apple's Cook probably still isn't interested in coming back to the show/event circuit.