On Gear Live: Samsung S95C: The OLED TV You Can’t Afford (to Ignore!)

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TV Envy

While we at Gear Live are happy to tell you what sort of television you should invest in, which DVR to buy, and how to stream video via your Xbox 360, we aren’t experts when it comes to the actual programming that you will find on a daily basis when channel surfing. Instead, we leave that job to the newest site in the Gear Live Media Network, TV Envy. Headed up by Veronica Santiago and Rhys Alexander, these girls will definitely lay down the law when it comes to shows like Lost, Nip/Tuck, Top Model, and Desperate Housewives.

Go give them a warm welcome, and check them out regularly!


Read More | TV Envy


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Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector

Over at PlayFeed there is a quick hands-on with the new Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. As stated there, this is just a stellar m ove on Nintendo’s part. The dongle, which only works on Windows XP machines, allows access to Nintendo’s Wi-Fi Connection service through a signal generated by the device. This means that players without wireless networks can still get online and battle players the world over. In fact, the USB Connector supports up to five Nintendo DS connections at once. Check out PlayFeed for more images.


Read More | PlayFeed


Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

This past Saturday, we received an advanced look at the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. As soon as we saw the packaging, it immediately became apparent that Nintendo is getting behind their Wi-Fi Connection service in a big way. In fact, I am at a loss as to why Sony didn’t think of something like this for the PSP. Basically, the Wi-Fi USB Connector allows anyone with a computer and a broadband connection to log in to Nintendo’s Wi-Fi gaming service. That means that there is no need to pay for a wireless router and configure a wireless network. This is really, really a smart move by Nintendo. Even better, one USB Connector allows up to five Nintendo DS units to connect to the Internet at once. The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector can be purchased for $34.99 USD.

We snapped a couple of images of the contents, which you can check out after the jump.

Click to continue reading Unpacking The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector


Latest Gear Live Videos

SingularityYou heard me right. Microsoft is working on a new operating system dubbed Singularity. Built from scratch using a new language, it aims to be very dependable. Apparently Microsoft is willing to sacrifice some performance for stability. Could this be an attempt to quiet the *nix VS. Windows stability debate? Here is the technical report (PDF) from Microsoft.  For those less into tech jargon or who don’t want to sift through the document, Dark Side Programming has a nice overview.


Read More | Microsoft


i-Volution PSP

PlayFeed has some impressions up of the Vaja i-Volution PSP case. If you aren’t aware, Vaja is the makes of many a luxury case for a multitude of gadgets.

The opening of any Vaja box is an experience. Inside is a beautifully crafted piece of work, and it seems the room fills with the aroma of fresh leather. This case is available in 29 colors, or 15 color combinations for the eccentric. For us, Vaja sent us the i-Volution decked out in Gear Live orange and gray. Can’t hate on that.

No, you sure can’t. Read on for full impressions.


Read More | PlayFeed


Microsoft LiveSome of you may have heard about Microsoft Office Live accepting Beta registrants.  It is no wonder that, considering the recent buzz about Google and OpenOffice.org, screenshots of Office Live have leaked. Does anyone else feel like Microsoft is scrambling, in a way, to get these “Live” products out in the open?  There doesn’t seem to be much driving force, other than a preemptive strike against their most feared adversary, Google.  Strap in folks, we’re in for some quality entertainment.


Read More | Flickr


Samsung M70The Samsung M70 is a new breed of laptop which flaunts a whopping 19” screen.  Here’s the kicker: The 19” WSXGA display for the laptop is detachable and can be used as in independent display for another computer. This flexibility goes both ways, meaning that you can use the 19” LCD as a stand alone monitor, or detach the laptop portion so as to use it with a larger display. This puppy would almost certainly not classify as carry-on luggage, so if you pick one of these up (granted you can pick it up) be ready to check it with the other boat anchors

large laptops.


Read More | Akihabara


GadgetsThere have been many arguments over the years about those who spend a fair amount of time “with” technology, for lack of a better term. I’m sure we’ve all heard from our mothers at some point or another that video games “rot your brain.” Then, of course, there is the rebuttal that video games improve hand-eye coordination as well as problem solving skills. Some argue that we rely too heavily on technology, while others view technology simply as another of man’s tools that should be used to it’s fullest extent. These arguments go back an forth, and sometimes even get so extreme as to claim that certain video games are “murder simulators.” If you keep up with Penny-Arcade you might recognize that term as one coined by the infamous Jack Thompson.

We now live in world where global communication of an idea is only a few keystrokes away. Our military and law enforcement are utilizing technology for virtual training as well as enhanced protection in hostile situations. Instant communication via cell phones and text messaging has come to be expected in many of the world’s societies. At any rate, these are just a couple examples, and the topic certainly extends far beyond that of video games and gadgets.

So, I pose the question: Can one person get too much tech?  If so, when and where is the line drawn?  If not, how do you feel about being looked down upon as one of those who live a more “tech” lifestyle? In the case of video games, can we chalk up the recent negativity as a response to our generation’s “rock and roll?” 

Personally, I finished a six day coding binge this morning, and later tried to unlock my bike lock with the key-less entry to my car (and I’ll admit that I was frustrated for a split second before I realized what I was trying to do). Too much tech, or just episodic-idiocy? I vote for the latter.


PlayFeed PSP i-Volution

Okay, let’s be serious for just a moment. We know that the Sony PlayStation Portable is one heck of a portable gaming beast. However, it isn’t all fun and games when your $250 gaming device takes a tumble, leaving with with a shiny, black brick. Protection of the PSP is important, and some of us want something just a bit more elegant than that black sheath that the PSP ships with. Today, the question we pose is: Just how much are you willing to spend on protecting your investment? For example, the Vaja i-Volution case for the Sony PSP. Just looking at it you can tell that it will not only protect your PSP, but it will keep you stylish as well. Oh, and it had better - the thing sells for $180 USD, roughly $70 less than the cost of the PSP itself.

Is it worth it? We do know that Vaja makes some very high quality iPod cases, and wondered how they would do with the PSP. Journey with us as we take a visual tour of the Vaja i-Volution.

Click to continue reading Vaja i-Volution PSP Leather Case


Griffin RoadtripGriffin Technology Inc. has just announced the update to their RoadTrip iPod accessory. This thing reminds me of the nano version of the iTrip, but it is powered by your car’s 12-volt accessory port rather than the iPod itself, and the station control is actually on the unit rather than on the iPod screen. The new RoadTrip is compatible with any Generation 3 or later iPod, including minis, nanos, and 5th generation iPods with video support. A cradle specifically built for iPod nano ships with every RoadTrip. With this update, RoadTrip provides a complete auto solution for all dockable iPods. The FM frequency range on the RoadTrip is 88.1 to 107.9. The units are available in white as well as charcoal black for the newcomers. In a nice gesture, Griffin is making the nano cradle available for those who already own an older RoadTrip. The Griffin RoadTrip retails at $89.99 USD, and is available at www.griffintechnology.com as well as a bunch of retailers.


Read More | Griffin RoadTrip Product Page


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