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We all know that the Xbox 360 is going to be a go-between for digital content. You will be able to use it as a Media Center Extender, even for high definition content. In fact, this console will most likely be the reason that I purchase a Media Center PC. The following quote, albeit by a Microsoft representative, puts it all into perspective:
Over the next 10 years, there is a revolution that’s going to take place in TV moving to 16-by-9 screens and moving to high-definition format. And Xbox 360 is going to be a driving application for people to get high-definition television. Every Xbox 360 game will play on a regular TV, but they will all also support high-definition TV, and once you see a game in high definition, you never want to go back…every Xbox 360 will be what’s called a Media Center Extender, and that means if you have content on your Media Center in the home and you have a network, you’ll be able to play that content on your Xbox on the TV that the Xbox is connected to, which gives you the ability to distribute your music, your photos, your video, throughout the home. You’ll also be able to take a camera, a digital camera, a digital music player, plug it into an Xbox 360, see your photos, play your music.”
That’s from Robbie Bach, Xbox Chief Officer, Home and Entertainment Division. The launch just can’t come soon enough for me.
Read More 
| DigitalTechNews
CradleVue Transforms Laptops into Auto Entertainment
Posted by Alex Grahmann Categories: Accessories, PC / Laptop,
The CradleVue laptop harness, from VueGear, is designed to hold almost any laptop in an upright position between the two front seats of any car, minivan, or SUV. With some nylon webbing and a few simple bungee-like cords (described by the company as “tent-quality,” if that means anything), your notebook will be in a position to perform any of its native functions on the road – such as playing DVDs or games. This will save a bundle for anyone considering installing a multimedia upgrade for their cars, but may lack the stability to protect your well-earned laptop against the abuse dished out from the back seats.
Read More | VueGear
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Tapwave is History
Posted by Alex Grahmann Categories: Handhelds, Portable Audio / Video, Video Games,
Zodiac, maker of the Palm OS/gaming/multimedia hybrid Tapwave, announced today that it has discontinued its production, service, and support for the handheld device. The Tapwave enjoyed some favorable reviews from various sources, but struggled to stay afloat in a market where so many other products (iPod, Nintendo DS, PSP, and other Palms) were doing the same things - and doing them better. Tapwave’s claim-to-fame convergence of all handheld needs proved to be too much for Zodiac to handle. On its homepage, Zodiac points readers to continued, though all outside, resources and thanks users for their “past interest and support” and apologizes “for any inconvenience.” Owning fancy-looking but dead and obsolete technology is always inconvenient.
Read More | Zodiac’s Tapwave Homepage
Latest Gear Live Videos
Nintendo Profits Down, Still Doing Fine
Posted by Alex Grahmann Categories: Corporate News, Nintendo Gamecube, Portable/Mobile,
The Reuters service of Japan is reporting a 78.5% fall in the operating profits for Nintendo in the fiscal quarter ending June 30th. Reasons for this loss include the lack of third-party games and the declining sales of the GBA SP and Gamecube. While this might seem like very bad news, it should be pointed out that Nintendo is still the only major current-generation console company making any money at all. The DS has managed to gain a foothold large enough to avoid complete destruction by the PSP and Nintendo has presented a conservative strategy for the future that looks to ensure a viable and stable business model. In the next-generation of consoles, it may be enough of a Revolution to simply make any profit at all.
Read More | 1Up
Get More Out of Your PSP 2.0 Firmware Upgrade
Posted by Edwin Soto Categories: Internet, Mods/Hacks, Portable/Mobile,
This list of awesome things to discover out of your new PSP upgrade saves you the trouble of figuring out the can and cant-do’s. C.K Sample has tinkered and continues to tinker about all the goodies surrounding the new firmware - tabbed browsing, Wallpapers, etc. I tried to find where I download the new white version of the PSP on this page, but it seems no one has gone that down pat just yet.
Read More | Sample The Web via Joystiq
iFM was unveiled today by Griffin Technologies integrating some of the most sought after accessories for you iPod. The iFM acts as a remote, FM transmitter, and even an audio recorder with its built in microphone. Not enough you say? Well, not only can you record yourself, you can directly record from your actual radio. For all these features, it’s set at a reasonable pre-order price of $49.99.
Read More | iFM
This simulation offers a real-time canoe experience integrating real, interactive water via a small “pool.” By interactive, I mean the pool actually responds to pressure, force, and waves created in the virtual world you are looking at. This is all in a complex database that allows this these realistic features to respond via the end-user. This totally blows away the “virtual parachuting” where you just lie on a mat with a bunch of fans.
Read More | Springhead via we-make-money-not-art
Everyone can see that technology has become and integrated part of our technology, and a recent study published by PEW paints a very tech-centric picture of the United States in the year 2020. The study published today indicates that 9 out of 10 teenagers (87% between 12-17) are active daily internet users. With this number up from less than 75% in 2000 it’s crystal clear that as todays teenagers grow into tomorrows working class our society is going to approach a 100% daily usage of the internet - both wired and wireless. In the current demographic instant messaging seems to be winning in popularity over email, and I’m sure video and voice chat are going to eclipse instant messaging at some point. As a constantly connected mentality sets in it will be interesting to see how social networking technologies integrate with email, chat, blogs, and as yet un-invented communications tools.
Read More | PEW study (PDF) via Lost Remote
This week, The Final Cut takes a closer look at a romantic comedy about finding a date online, and an action film with “high flying” graphics. Also out this weekend is Sky High, a Disney movie starring Michael Angarano, Kurt Russell, and Kelly Preston; and The Aristocrats, a limited release movie that has one hundred comedians telling the same joke in their own way. As always, if you’ve seen any of this weeks releases, feel free to post your feelings of love or hate in the comments section.
Click to continue reading The Final Cut: A Closer Look At Stealth, Must Love Dogs
It looks like the poorly scanned HTC Wizard fax that was presented before was quite true to life. New photos have emerged that show how delicious the Wizard promises to be. Featuring a full QWERTY keyboard and320x240 screen along with WiFi and Bluetooth any email addict will be quivering in anticipation for a hit from this mobile machine. The only specification that gives worry is a rumored mere200MHz processor - very slow by todays Windows Mobile standards. It’s really encouraging to see how many Windows Mobile 5.0 devices are just around the corner featuring fullthumboards - email and chat are about to explode in a big way on the mobile market.
Read More | Slashphone
