Story posted on: November 8, 2009
Folks out there who own the Zune HD should be fairly happy to hear that Microsoft has released the latest firmware (4.3) for the Zune HD! It’s nothing too radical, but it should address some of the more irritating problems that you might have encountered. Some of the changes/fixes include:
- Support for the upcoming 3D games and applications.
- Auto Suggest feature for text input.
- Faster web browsing experience.
- Landscape keyboard
- Keyboard option has been added in the settings section.
- New toggle between seek and presets under Radio.
- Under the Internet in settings, you can now toggle to default mobile or desktop webpage layout.
- Artist bios are updated; embedded links to other artists in text.
- Other bug fixes.
Story posted on: November 7, 2009

Looking for some rugged headphones that you can take with you on camping trips? Well, the Ryobo RP4530 SmartHeadphones certainly look the part. Too bad it’s not waterproof or something, in case you happen to drop it into a pond. It is water resistant, though, allowing it to function in light right. It’s currently going for $69.97, which might hurt a bit, but if you’re looking for replacement headphones, you could check it out. Features include:
- Up to 24 hours continuous use per charge
- Electronic Noise Suppression - Suppresses harmful impulse and background noise on the job site and at home
- Voice Amplification Technology - Enhances close range conversations
- Auxiliary Input - iPod and MP3 compatible
- Water Resistant - Functions in light rain
- Auto Power Off - Saves battery for less charging downtime
- NRR Rating: 25 dB
- Battery: 4V Lithium-Ion
- Charge Time: 5 hours
Story posted on: November 6, 2009
The Asus O! Play Media Player is finally here, where it is also known more formally as the O!Play Air HDP-R3. It will come with a minor upgrade as Asus has thrown in 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity alongside a multiple memory card reader for greater file playback options. With an HDMI 1.3 port, you ought to be able to use the O! Play HDP-R3 to handle just about any file format available currently, regardless of how obscure some of them are. Expect to fork out approximately €90 for this bad boy.
Story posted on: November 6, 2009

Want your TV to pump out tubthumping audio each time, and yet you want to keep your living room clean and free? The Q-TV2 speaker system ought to come in handy, as this offering from Q Acoustics is strapped onto the back of your flat panel TV, offering true 2.1 stereo sound which ought to surpass most vanilla flat panels. It can be plugged into your TV’s optical, RCA or headphone jack, depending on your preference. The Q-TV2 speaker system will add around 38mm more depth to your TV set. A slim vibration-free subwoofer will remain at the back of your display, where it is powered by a 50W amp while both satellites come with swivel mounts for easy adjustment. Expect to fork out £299.99 for the Q-TV2 speaker system.
Story posted on: November 6, 2009
Those who love shredding on their air guitars with imaginary riffs, why not realize the dream with the AIRduino guitar? David Fournier, Jean-Louis Giordano, Monireh Sanaei, Maziar Shelbaf and Gustav Sohtell are the brains behind the AIRduino guitar, which is in essence a wearable virtual instrument. Viva la open source, alongside full documentation to let you know how to get started.
Story posted on: November 6, 2009
Are you on an extremely tight budget but do not want to be left out from your group of friends who all have a portable media player of sorts? The Archos Vision 1 might fulfil that need, where it comes with a 1.5" LCD display alongside support for MP3, WAV, WMA, APE and FLAC audio files. Forget about video - this is more or less a slightly more luxurious iPod shuffle. A single charge is able to offer up to 20 hours of non-stop playback, where the Archos Vision 1 will cost a mere 30 Euros.
Story posted on: November 5, 2009
Slacker Radio has rolled out its official Android client in under a month after letting us know at CTIA that they will do so soon, enabling those living in the US to literally bring their radio everywhere. For those who are not in the know, Slacker is a streaming service that configures personalized music stations based on a user’s favorite songs, artists and preferences. With millions of songs from thousands of artists residing in the Slacker library, you'll be spoilt for choice. You'll need to fork out $3.99 monthly for the Radio Plus service that has Unlimited Song Skipping, although those who are happy with the basic Slacker service need not fork out out a single penny.
Story posted on: November 5, 2009

What's Walkman in the plural form? Should we say, Walkmen? Well, those who currently own the Sony Walkman NW-A828/A829, NW-S615F/S616F and NW-S715F/S716F/S718F will be able to download a firmware update that fixes volume issues when using the aforementioned devices with the CMT-V3, CPF-NW001, SRS-NWGU50, SRS-NWGM30, SRS-NWZ10 stereos, alongside the WLA-NWB1 Bluetooth adapter as well. This is currently on offer by Sony Japan, and there is no word on whether it will be compatible with your model if you happen to live outside of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Story posted on: November 5, 2009

Panasonic has certainly outdone itself this time roundin the design department by unveiling the new D-Dock SC-HC4/HC3, where it will boast a couple of 20W output at 6O, and is compatible with virtually the whole iPod family. Whenever you run out of tunes to listen to, there is the FM and AM radio tuner to help you out with local DJ banter, while a CD player handles all your legacy music collection. To sweeten the deal, Panasonic has thrown in an SD memory card slot alongside AAC, MP3 and WMA compatibility. Folks who pick up the HC4 version can also rip CDs into SD/SDHC memory cards at 8x speed.
Story posted on: November 5, 2009

If you're one who always want to know what others are saying (mostly because you're worried about your fragile reputation), then you might want to check out this weird device that helps you eavesdrop. Supposedly, all you need to do is place one end against the wall and the other end in your ears, where the built-in electronic sound amplifier will boost noises that come through a wall, door, window and even steel plates. USB rechargeable, each $62.99 purchase comes with a pair of headphones.
Story posted on: November 4, 2009
Try as it might, the JXD2000 is no PSP clone despite coming with a 4.3" LCD display at 480 x 272 resolution. You will be able to play games on this though, but don't expect the latest and greatest since it has but a mere NES/GBA emulator built in. Features include an integrated FM radio, voice recording functionality, USB 2.0 connectivity, TV out and 8GB of internal memory to get you started.
Story posted on: November 4, 2009

Klipsch has ushered in its new ProMedia 2.1 speakers which were specially designed to work in tandem with notebooks. To make matters all the more interesting, these THX-certified speakers will be mostly wireless in the sense where you need to tether them to a power outlet in order to obtain the necessary juice to run, although there is no need to physically connect it to your computer. Your machine will need to have a free USB port to fit the compatible dongle that comes with each $199 purchase though.
Story posted on: November 4, 2009

The Parrot RKi8400 car stereo system will target both the iPhone and iPod devices, where this hands-free Bluetooth communication system will boast multiple connections for digital music and advanced hands-free telephony functions. You also get a storage compartment located behind the removable front panel, making it perfect to protect and recharge your iPhone or iPod when driving. Other features include a large dial that makes data on it accessible with but a glance, while a full-color screen is always a joy to behold. Whenever there is an incoming call, you will find the system loading its hands-free mode automatically, allowing you to concentrate on the road at all times. The Parrot RKi8400 will also play nice with all Bluetooth-enabled cellphones out there. [Press Release]
Story posted on: November 4, 2009

We're not too sure where Teclast is heading with their latest advertising campaign concerning the C410HD portable media player, but she seems pretty happy to own one of these instead of an iPod. The C410HD apparently supports up to 15 types of video formats, featuring a 4.3" LCD display at 1,366 x 768 resolution alongside 720p HD TV-Out support. No idea on pricing or regional availability of the device though. A hot chick looking at a video of another hottie, hmmm...