Gadgets Future

A lot of readers might be surprised to learn that Mitsubishi even makes cellphones, but yeah, it sure does. Its domestic Japanese market has typically been the recipient of its impressive wares, selling models on NTT DoCoMo using the “D” model name prefix — but maybe not for much longer. Nikkei is throwing out some rumors today that Mitsu will be exiting the dog-eat-dog cellphone manufacturing biz and possibly doing so very swiftly, even withdrawing models due to hit DoCoMo in the next few weeks. Despite raking in over 100 billion yen (about $958M) annually from its mobile division alone, the company has apparently been unable to make it profitable and recently downgraded its handset sales forecast for the current fiscal year. Frankly, we wish Mitsu had sold enough handsets abroad for us to be really upset about this. Nikkei says an official announcement could come as soon as today, so we’ll update you when we know more.
[Source]

At the moment many companies, focusing on the customers’ needs, produce a great variety of different exclusive cell phones, which are very original and expensive. Their price varies from some thousands to million USD or even more. Yet, despite their expensiveness quite a significant amount of people buy these devices because possessing of such a unique thing emphasizes both their well-being and individuality.

Recently Vertu company that represents an affiliated undertaking of Nokia Corporation started to sell its new cell phone. Ascent Ti gadget works at 3G and four types of GSM. It has a digital camera of 3 megapixels and is made of titanium, leather and sapphire. But the main distinctive feature is an exclusive function of this cell phone. In case there is a need Ascent Ti owner can save any kind of information at the remote server. To do so he/she has just to choose the data for transmission.

All the information will be kept in a special secure place. So, if there is a necessity customer can easily restore the data. New product will be sold at quite a moderate price - 00. Actually it’s not so cheap, but in comparison with the previous Vertu models - 88 and 130 thousand of US dollars, respectively - this price can be considered as a reasonable one. As far as the design of this gadget is concerned it will fit business people perfectly.

Thus, given device represents an outstanding attempt of combining quality, exclusiveness and accessibility. However, this Vertu model still remains unattainable for middle class customers.

Related:

• mobile phone Projector
• Flexible cell phone
• A cell phone with double touch screen
• Cell phones’ best friend
• Some retro and nature in the cell phones

While the Sirius/XM merger still seems far away from being completed, the original date for the merger, which was March 1 has expired and they have agreed on a two month extension. Based on the new date, they now have until May 1, 2008 to receive regulatory approval, that is unless they agree upon another extension.

Sadly, this merger is almost getting to the point of not caring either way, we will just be happy when its finally over. We have been getting teased with a possible merger and better plans for over a year now.

Read [Reuters]

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Designer Nuno Teixeira has come up with the iView concept that features a wrap-around display complete with a secondary LCD built right into the back - making it suitable for students as well as those involved in the graphic design field. Why not go for broke in the concept by throwing in a couple more webcams? I’m willing to wager my family jewels that this concept won’t be materialized anytime soon, as the final retail price would be way too exorbitant for anyone.

Posted Mar 2nd 2008 11:10PM by Joshua Topolsky
Filed under: Desktops
Confirming our belief that some people are just “bad with computers,” a boy named Joe Falciatano III from Pulaski, New York, seems to have simply the worst luck ever — and some think it could be do to an overly magnetized touch. While using PCs at this elementary school, Joe — who dubbed himself “Magneto Man” — found that every system he laid his hands on went totally haywire. Only after a teacher suggested he use a grounded, anti-static wrist strap did the systems experience relief from his Geek Squad-inducing grasp. Apparently, the boy has also disrupted slide show presentations and caused his Xbox to freeze repeatedly. Though tests have been run on Joe, there’s still no conclusive evidence about the source of the problem, though at least one electricity expert said the cause could be his over-insulated shoes. Maybe, but we won’t be surprised when he forms an army of mutant super-villains and tries to take control of the White House. Check the video after the break for the whole report.

[Via ScienCentral]

Posted Mar 3rd 2008 12:01AM by Darren Murph
Filed under: Tablet PCs
It’s been a solid tick since we heard a peep from Motion Computing, but nearly a year after we first wrapped our paws around the firm’s C5 medical tablet, the F5 has arrived. Granted, this bugger is more suited for service industries and field work than the ER, but its “semi-rugged” nature ensures that it’ll get the job done almost anywhere. Packed within the IP54-compliant (read: dust, water, shock and temperature resistant) chassis is a 1.2GHz Intel Centrino U1400 processor, 10.4-inch XGA (1,024 x 768) View Anywhere display, 40GB HDD (optional 32GB SSD available), built-in 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth, WWAN (EV-DO) support and a 2-megapixel camera for good measure. Additionally, you’ll spot an optional barcode reader, integrated RFID reader / passive tag, a biometric scanner, three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, VGA output and a battery good for about 1.5 hours of usage. Unfortunately, such a well-spec’d Slate PC won’t come cheap, as this creature will set you back a stiff $2,699 to $4,000 depending on configuration.

Gallery: Motion Computing unveils “semi-rugged” F5 Slate PC

As the title and included image suggest, the Silverthorn and Diamondville processors have officially been renamed to Atom, with the Menlow platform now titled as Centrino Atom. Sure enough the new names sport absolutely no hardware bump and are most likely intended as a marketing ploy for 45nm technology.

Not the most exciting development this week but we like the name.

Intel’s Silverthorn becomes the Atom, Menlow the Centrino Atom [Engadget]

20Q Handheld (version 2)
Quite simply, 20Q is a wonder of modern science. Using the latest AI technology it is a handheld version of the classic ‘yes/no’ game, asking a series of questions and then guessing the object you’re thinking of.

See price

Doggy Smile
Ever suffer from hang-dog expressions? Getting tired of your pooch looking depressed all the time?

You can have this for ?5.99

Originally expected to ship during the second half of 2008, it now is being rumored that the highly anticipated Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 will be delayed until 2009. While the XPERIA X1 seems to be a very hot phone with a great set of specs, with a wait time as long as this it will be interesting to see just how well the phone will sell upon release. I would imagine most people would get tired of waiting and the initial buzz will die down.

In addition to the release of the X1, the list also includes a variety of other Sony Ericsson launch dates. You can check out the full list of release dates here: Sony Ericsson.

Via [semcblog]

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