Arcam Solo hi-fi, small in dimensions big in sound

If you are considering investing in a new hi-fi sound system but are baffled by the choices available, maybe you are looking for stylish simplicity with powerful high quality sound, possibly looking to de-clutter your home as well as your audio equipment. Then there is a hi-fi sound system out there that will probably tick all your boxes, the Arcam Solo mini hi-fi.

The Arcam Solo mini hi-fi sound system will deliver all the audio punch that you are looking for. The two-channel sound system provides a powerful yet beautiful sound quality which is teamed with a brilliant simplistic design whilst still incorporating maximum spec. Arcam have delivered in the Solo mini hi-fi sound system what they refer to as “an audiophile’s dream”, they have jam packed the beautiful minimal sound system casing with a CD player, a DAB radio (Arcam are the people who developed the very first DAB radio equipment so you can be sure of a quality product and up to the minute design), iPod connection allowing for playback of MP3 and WMA audio files .

The Arcam Solo mini hi-fi doesn’t come cheap, priced at about £750 however for that price you are getting a quality sound system product, not stacks of black plastic soulless boxes stacked up cluttering the place, however the sound quality delivered will be every bit as good as you would receive for investing in the high-fidelity separate units. The Solo sound system is as the name suggests a single solitary package of superior audio sound, the quality of which is quite breathtaking. To achieve the best from the system it is suggested by the manufacturers to team the Arcam Solo mini hi-fi with Muso speakers. This will provide the very optimum playback for the superior bass sound which is supplied by the Torroid power system and the DACs utilising the CD73 award winning technology gives crisp true crystal clear sound clarity that other sound systems cannot hope to match. Little details make this sound system a joy to operate, the hushed loading of the CD player whispering a quiet ‘quality’, that others players just can’t deliver. This is a sound system for not only music lovers but gadget lovers too!

The Nokia E75, something to write home about

The much awaited release of the Nokia E75 is now officially happening, with word coming from Nokia that the latest mobile sensation is on its way to the shops. It is highly unlikely that you haven’t heard of the newest exciting smartphone to be launched from the Nokia stable, and if you have been a Nokia fan over the years then the Nokia E75mobile phone will not disappoint.

The Nokia E75 provides the contemporary flexibility that modern mobile phone user is looking for, the ability to browse the internet and pick up emails wherever the user maybe and whatever time of the day that it is. The Nokia E75 has a side sliding design which provides access to the QWERTY keyboard and also a range of other functions. There is the very useful calendar function and access to Nokia Maps as well as a media player which will provide a good audio playback quality for all your MP3 and AAC files as well as the ability to tune into the FM Radio and also the internet radio.

As well as the ability to surf the internet from the Nokia E75 there is a great 3.2 megapixel camera and a video camera, which unlike one particular smartphone (no names!) provides the opportunity to capture those memorable moments as and when they happen. The phone comes with a good size 2.4” visible screen and the resolution is 320 x 240 pixels. The camera is both autozoom and autofocus as well as hi resolution and video streaming.

There are many sites that are providing a pre-order service, to ensure that you get this wonderful phone we suggest you quickly investigate these options.

Calls for video game Six Days In Fallujah to be banned

A video gaming company has been accused of being ‘crass and insensitive’ to the feelings of relatives and Iraq war veterans including injured servicemen and Muslims because of a proposed release of a video game. The video game at the centre of the controversy is titled ‘Six Days In Fallujah’ a battle which took place at the end of 2004, which is due to be released by Japanese gaming company Konami next year.

The report on the upset caused to war veterans, and the families of those killed or injured was featured in the Telegraph. The video game which is based on one of the worst battles in the Iraq war was reportedly developed with the assistance of a group of US marine war veterans, who made contributions taken from diaries, videos and photographs taken at the time of the battle.

The video game which has been developed for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 is described as a ‘Survival Horror’ title. Criticisms have also come from the British Army in the shape of a British Army Colonel who has called for the game to be banned even before its release. Tim Collins believes that the timing is completely wrong for the release of such a video game featuring extremely sensitive events that are still ongoing. Another voice of disdain is that of Reg Keys whose son unfortunately died as a result of an attack by an Iraqi mob said that the video game ‘demonstrates very poor judgement and bad taste’.

The president of U.S. game developer Atomic Games, Peter Tamte believes that there is a valid place for the video game giving people an insight into the history and to experience the event through the eyes of a soldier or a civilian or even an insurgent.

Fact or fiction – men prefer a good video game to sex?

A recent survey by a PlayStation3 price comparison site, PS3 price compare.co.uk seems to show that a worryingly high proportion of British men in particular PlayStation3 owners, prefer to play their computer games console than indulge in any bedroom activity with their significant others. The site states that 72% of the 1,130 men questioned in their PlayStation3 video games survey concurred that they would in fact prefer to play a new release video game release than have sex with their partners. The PlayStation3 games resource site also said that over a third of those questioned would prefer to play their video games than make love. Clearly this worrying result is not a scientifically based study and is more for fun, though what fun the wives or girlfriends are having remains to be seen!

All the team here at Gadgets and Gizmos agree that the PlayStation3 provides fun and excitement by the bucket load but can’t quite see the attraction compared to an early night and some moments of passion, still each to their own. That said the allure of Resident Evil 5 or Killzone 2 is pretty strong, and with new releases like Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3 or Wheelman then the argument does gains some strength.

There is yet to be officially confirmed that marriages between men and PlayStation3 machines will become legal but we will of course keep you informed if things should change in this arena! However we are well aware that playing a Linden Research Game called ‘Second Life’ can end in divorce. Amy Taylor and David Pollard divorced in 2008 citing ‘unreasonable behaviour’ as the cause. Mr Pollards virtual world character Dave Barmy was caught in a compromising situation with another Second Life woman, clearly Ms Taylor felt that Pollard was being virtually unfaithful to her Second Life persona Laura Skye. What is the virtual world coming to!

Useful not useless extras for your iPod

As an iPod user you will run out of cash before you run out of gadgets and Gizmos for your treasured mp3 player. However every now and then there is something available for an iPod that really is a must have rather than just a waste of your hard earned cash, and this is where the HandMusic from Ewoo comes in.

This useful piece of kit allows you to control your iPod remotely whilst it is connected to a docking station or your stereo system from a distance of up to 500 feet. The systems uses a near identical interface so that you can see all the same information including album covers displayed on the HandMusic remote as is already stored on your iPod.

We all have the same problems when listening to our iPods through docking stations or other audio equipment that if you want to change track or identify a song or artist it is usually a case of going to the iPod wherever it is located to do this. Now with the HandMusic it is possible to have complete control from wherever you are and also to directly sync the HandMusic 2.4 GHz radio system remote with your iTunes library by connecting it via the USB cable to your PC. The HandMusic mini dock will charge both the remote control handset unit and your iPod and features a 1.8” LCD display and is compatible with most iPods. The HandMusic system is extremely easy to set up and operate and comes with AC power adapter, analog audio output, video output and USB cable.

Of course here at gadgets and Gizmos we understand this is not quite re-inventing the wheel but certainly it enhances the overall usability of the iPod technology without having to purchase a whole new docking or stereo system, and priced at under £100 this will allow you to wait to upgrade your current systems to allow for further developments in technology.

Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera

Fun and funky, cool and compact – these are the first words that spring to mind when you talk about the very latest offering from Kodak, we are of course talking about the Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera. This fantastic little video camera not only takes the most stunning 720p HD video film footage but it can also do it no matter what the conditions are, so bright sunshine, rain, snow, poor light, nothing will stand in the way of being able to record up to ten hours of amazing HD video film. So no matter where you are from the ski slopes to the beach the Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera will deliver the very best of quality film but also will be resistant to any damage as the camera has a protection rating of IP43.

Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video camera films at either 60 or 30 frames per second or VGA and has an aspect ratio of 16:9, the audio quality is great too as the Kodak Zx1 also features a highly sensitive microphone with low distortion. Films created with the Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera can be played back immediately in slow motion and can more excitingly be played back on an HDTV as there is a useful HDMI cable included with the video camera making it possible to view your films in all their glory on your television. The versatile Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video camera also comes complete with a video editing software suite, making it possible to even add music and additional content for your viewing enjoyment.

The Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video camera is about the same size as a mobile phone, and will fit neatly in a pocket for easy and quick access, so you will never need to miss a filming opportunity. The Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera also comes in a range of beautiful colours including pink, yellow, red, black or blue. With an amazing price tag of £129 the Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video camera is going to be in most purchasers reach even with the current economic crisis! Expect to see this on every teenage skateboarders wish list this Christmas.

Buy today from Play.com and get a real bargain

Title: Nintendo DSI launched to the waiting gaming fans

Good news for anyone who has been waiting for the latest games console release, the handheld Nintendo DSi is now available and advance orders of the games console are stacking up. There is a whole wealth of new features packed into the much slimmer dimensions of the Nintendo DSi games console, including the dual built in cameras that allow for taking of pictures using any of the 11 different lenses, video chat function, an internal memory for storage of images as well as the additional benefits of being able to use an external SD memory card. There is the new Nintendo DSi games console sound functionality which allows for storage of AAC format music files which will provide playback of all your favourite music, and a microphone for editing and recording content, games console firmware updates. Another useful element is a much larger display screen and the ability to change Nintendo DSi games without the need to touch the power button.

It has to be said that at the recommended retail price of £149 (which is the same as the price of a wii) it remains to be seen if this new games console will be a success here in the UK. A further added restriction to purchasing the new Nintendo DSi games console is the lack of games specifically for the Nintendo DSi and if you are an owner of the older Gameboy Advance games console and are considering upgrading you will be disappointed to learn that your Advance games will not be compatible with the new Nintendo DSi. Should you wish to purchase the Nintendo DSi the games console comes in a classy matt black or a high gloss white – making the latest Nintendo DSi a statement piece as well as a brilliant game console.

Buy your Nintendo Dsi from PC world

Corsair Voyager Port – turnkey or turkey?

Corsair have at last officially announced the launch of the new Voyager Port, which they describe in their press release as an “innovative solution to transform any USB flash drive into a powerful and flexible portable backup and recovery device “. The compact Corsair Voyager Port device is extremely portable and comes complete with a ten year guarantee and a copy of NovaBACKUP 10, which is a data recovery and backup software program that allows for complete storage and protection of vital documents.

The Corsair Voyager Port requires no power supply using a very easy ‘plug and play’ operation via USB connection directly to a PC or laptop, and then it is a simple case of using any USB flash drive and full back up operation by pressing only one button on the Flash Voyager port allows for immediate back up all your critical files. The portability of the device makes it ideal for not only the safe keeping of your files but also for safe transportation to use at another PC as the device is both shock and water resistant.

Corsair recommend that use of the Voyager Port as a “total back up solution for notebooks and netbooks”, the device can take a “snapshot” of the system which can be use in the even to a total power failure or system breakdown so that essential data is preserved and easily accessed.

There have been some mixed responses in the industry to the new Corsair Voyager Port, some experts feel that the concept is not required and is just an unnecessary add-on, however we here at Gadgets and Gizmos believe that dependant on cost not being too high (which has not been released as yet) it could possibly be a cost effective and simple method for safe data storage and retrieval for the home PC user.

Motorola hot on the tail of iPhone?

The latest mobile phone from Motorola has been released, the Evoke QA4, and is being hailed as the very latest in smartphones and a worthy competitor to the ever popular Apple iPhone and also the Palm Pre mobile phone . Whether this is the case remains to be seen and its going to be a little while until we can fairly judge it as the Evoke QA4 mobile phone is not expected to reach the UK market until mid 2009.

The mobile phone specifications of the Evoke QA4 are expected to include a 2.8” screen, QWERTY touchscreen keyboard, with the resolution delivered expected to be 240 x 400 pixels, accelerometer , voice regognition, email and text messaging, a rather disappointing 2 megapixel camera, MP3 player, MicroSD slot Bluetooth including A2DP, MicroSD / MicroSDHC support, weighing 128 grams and measuring 108 x 17.5 x 50.5 mm. The Evoke QA4 mobile phone will have a GPS navigation system, web browing, sync options with Google contacts, YouTube, access to news, weather headlines etc.

We look forward to seeing the Evoke QA4 mobile phone in the flesh with its expected capabilities, but are reluctant to say at the moment whether this will be a good alternative to the iPhone, certainly the camera could have been improved upon to gain some edge. The iPhone is in the process of having some major updates and with the imminent launch of the Palm Pre mobile phone we wonder if Motorola may have just missed the boat to make any kind of impact. The look of the Evoke QA4 mobile phone may miss the mark also, the sophisticated uncluttered styling of the iPhone is something that is bang on and the design of the new Evoke QA4 though attractive is now looking a little dated.

Get your 3D specs on – 3D home entertainment on its way

A new report released today by Screen Digest the media analyst company predicts a massive growth in 3D home entertainment technology. At present to enjoy the superior 3D visual experience people mostly need to visit the cinema to watch 3D movies, wearing the rather peculiar 3D glasses that make the whole enhanced viewing experience possible. There is expected to be a growth in demand for 3D home entertainment in the very near future, however although the ability to release films in 3D for home entertainment is possible at present, there are a few factors that remain as stumbling blocks to a larger distribution of this service. The first is the need for specialist equipment including 3D glasses the second is the shortage of films released in a 3D format.

Screen Digest anticipates that the home entertainment 3D market will gradually increase due to the continued advancement in 3D technology namely the development of autostereoscopic systems – this technology will not require the use of special 3D glasses and the expectation of the end user to have sufficient content to warrant further expenditure for the new home entertainment 3FD technology. At present film studios are releasing only a very small quantity of films, in 2008 there were only seven 3D films released, in 200 there are expected to be seventeen new releases and in 2010 there is expected to be 28 films released. It is expected in the early development of the technology that the most releases will be from animated film companies as this technology is much easier to adapt than mainstream films.

The Screen Digest report also focuses on the need for a unified standard of home entertainment 3D technology so as to avert the possibility of any technology format wars, although they expect this to be via the high definition capabilities of the Blu-ray disc. The report also focuses on projected market distribution with an anticipated 10% of world markets by 2011 rising substantially to 16% in 2015 which equates to 2.8billion sales of 3D home entertainment equipment.

<« Previous page — Next Page » 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 « Previous Page — Next Page »