Arrival from ZumeLife: Zuri

Recently I was contacted about beta-testing a revolutionary new, portable medical device from ZumeLife, called a Zuri.  This post is just to announce my unboxing of said device, and to whet your appetite, as the review will come in the next few days, as I test it out.

The Zuri is (as found on the ZumeLife website):

The Zume Life system includes the Zuri (a handheld device) and personal web pages that significantly enhance people’s ability to track and adhere to their treatment programs and wellness regimens. It also enables users to stay connected with and draw inspiration and motivation from those in their Personal Wellness Ecosystem.

 

Remember that this is a beta test, and inevitably, there will be a noticeable change in the equipment supplied now compared to its public offering.

For more on this system, tune in next week!

BlackBerry Thunder, the new Touchscreen BlackBerry!

As reported over at Boy Genius Report, the newest BlackBerry will jump on the touchscreen bandwagon with the all-new BlackBerry Thunder.  Though very few details are known about it as this time, some things are known, such as:

-The picture in question, leaked to Boy Genius Report, shows a device that looks a great deal like some were expecting: a tablet shape with a relatively large screen.

-No keyboard, not even a sliding one, appears in the picture, and neither does a trackball. There are, however, a full collection of standard control buttons.

-It is expected to be released at some point before the end of this year. The the leaked image has the Verizon Wireless logo, which means it will run on CDMA wireless networks, but a wide variety of carriers are likely to eventually offer this model, including ones that use the GSM standard.

Technorati Tags: BlackBerry,Verizon,Boy Genius Report

Fuel Cell Phones?

 

As reported at Engadget.com, and Gizmodo.com, NEC is developing a phone that will utilize a liquid fuel cell.  Since the case of this decidedly feminine phone is transparent, not only does it show the color of the fuel, it also informs the user how much power is left.  The phone will feature a touchscreen display, and a unique look.  No ideas on how to get this past airport security (unless the fuel is *very* friendly!), or how to refill.  Time to drool over a sexy phone, ladies!

Dual-Core Celeron Processors

 

Not to be outdone, Intel has rolled out its first dual-core Celeron processors.  In addition to driving down the cost on all other dual-core processors, while improving the overall quality, this will also quite possibly push the quad-core out in front once and for all.

As noted by the great staff over at Engadget:

 

The first of those processors to hit the market is the 1.6GHz E1200 model, which relies on the slightly less-desirable 65-nanometer manufacturing process and boasts 512K bytes of cache and an 800MHz front-side bus. Not exactly the most impressive of processors, but nothing to sneeze at either, especially considering its $53 price tag — in quantities of 1,000 units, that is. No word on any other dual-core additions to the line, but given Intel’s track record of processor offerings, we’d expect this to be only a taste of things to come.

First 8-channel, Wireless Home Theater System

Coming to us straight from Bowers and Wilkins, is their new new wireless 5.1 Liberty speaker system that is based on the XT line.

 

A certifiable Home Theater in a Box, the Liberty consists of a new integrated 5.1 system featuring wireless, cable-free speakers.  It has four different speaker models powered by integrated class-D amplifiers. The Liberty is the first wireless system capable of transmitting eight channels: it can be set up in a 5.1 configuration for full surround sound, with two extra channels reserved for remote zones.  The most interesting feature of the Liberty though is the dynamic channel selection. Instead of using the typical 2-channels for wireless audio, the Liberty is utilizing a system that changes frequency on the fly and always chooses the least trafficked frequency band for the best sound quality.

Liberty is expected to launch in fall 2008. For more information, please visit http://www.bowers-wilkins.com.

Toshiba Portege R500: Even more spectacular!

In a continuing battle to have the lightest (and most appealing) note book yet, Toshiba has leaped ahead.  Officially introducing a 3G upgrade to the already impressive Portege R500.  According to Engadget:

Two new 12.1-inch, HSDPA-equipped configurations will be available this month: the ultra-lightweight (and ultra-pricey) R500-11J, highlighted by a 64GB SSD drive and impressive 1.72-pound package, and the cheaper, optical drive-packing R500-11I, which features the same 1.20GHz U7600 CPU and 2GB of RAM, but introduces a less appealing 120GB HDD. Pricing should be around €2,500 ($3,658) for the high-end 11J and €2,050 ($3,000 even) for the heavier 11I.

Sounds great and looks even better!

Introducing the Wow Pen

As first seen on i4u.com, the WowPen is a major step forward for presenters, architects, students, or anyone else. 

The WowPen is a pen like device hat combines the functions of a computer mouse. The pen comes with a USB clip that attaches to the paper you are writing on and reads the handwriting as you write or draw.

The USB clip stores your writing or drawings done on normal paper on your computer for use later. With the click of a button you can change from pen mode to mouse mode and use the WowPen to control the cursor of your PC.

At $129.99, this pen is a reasonable alternative to using a tablet PC, or an easier way to draw something on paper and convert it to digital, without the mess.  The only complaint I have heard is that the drawings are somewhat crude.  Heck, my regular drawings are worse than crude…maybe this would be a step up!

-chevybythesea

DirecTV - Remote Recording

 

Joining the rest of the world, and embracing the need for technology to improve the mobility of our needs, DirecTV has added the capability to add shows from a remote location.

 

With the DVR Scheduler (previously known as Remote Booking), you can log onto the mobile site at m.directv.com, and bounce a record signal from DirecTV’s satellite down to your DVR in minutes. The soft launch has HR20-700 DVR models going live right about now, with more models and an official rollout scheduled for February. Even the venerable TiVo HR10-250 is scheduled to get this feature.

No more leaving the house, getting to work, and wondering if you are going miss the latest Martha Stewart, umm, I mean Monster Garage.

-chevybythesea

Music and More

Recently, the folks over at Taser released the civilian-marketed C2.  This was great news, as the C2 is a stripped down version of the unit carried by most law-enforcement agencies.  What caught my eye, however, was the newest add-on to this toy, ahem, device.  As seen here, Taser has designed the MPH (Music Player Holster) to clip onto your belt.  It sports 1 gig of memory, while comfortably holding your personal protection device.  At $379-$449, depending upon options and colors ( the C2 comes in multiple colors, including my personal favorite, leopard spots), it makes for an expensive way to enjoy your music.  Yet the level of personal protection the C2 guarantees may make it worth it to you. 

 

For some of the capabilities of the C2, there is this from Engadget:

"It fires a pair of probes into a target, presumably someone who’s attacking you, from up to 15 ft. away. If the probes get within two inches of your skin (they don’t have to penetrate skin, but they can, as I found out), they complete a circuit and deliver 30 seconds of muscle-clenching incapacitation. The C2 fires once per cartridge, so Taser recommends putting it down and running like hell while your target twitches away."

And take it from someone who has been Tasered in the past….It is no laughing matter.  At least, that is what the rest of the guys told me (after they stopped laughing!)

-chevybythesea

Geeky USB Flash Drive

I know, I know, USB flash drives come in all varieties and sizes.  Just when I thought that there couldn’t possibly be anything new, this caught my eye.

The "domino" splits apart, giving you two useful drives.  It appears that each white dot on the "domino" is equal to one gig of storage space used. 

Useful?  Maybe.  Geeky?  Sure thing.