December 31, 2010
Freakin' Friday! HDTV Post Holiday Deals
The holidays are certainly not over if you have returned all those tacky sweaters and other gifts that you have no use for. You can still purchase some HDTVs at super low prices. For example, the iSymphony LC32iH56 32" LCD HDTV, the VIZIO E320VA 32" LCD HDTV and Toshiba 32C100U 32" LCD HDTV are all 32" and less than $300.00 each. Most of the deals run through January 7 and include free shipping.
Via HDTVs Deals
December 31, 2010
NAV Monthly Round Up: December 2010
What a busy month it was. Because of the nasty weather, this years holiday spending increased about 15%, and it seems retailers haven't stopped yet. There are plenty of deals still out there so check out our Round Up and our Holiday Gift Guide to find a way to spend all those gift cards you got from relatives to lazy to shop. HNY, readers!
3D
Advertising
Apple TV
Application
Audio Devices
Audio Streaming
Blu-ray Players
Freakin' Friday
Game Console Streaming
HDTV
Image Streaming
NAVi Award Winner
Netflix Streaming
Networking
News
Portable Media
Press Release
Remote Control
Silly
Slingbox
Steals and Deals
Storage
TV Streaming
Twitter Support
Video Devices
Video Recorder
Video Streaming
Wireless Headphones
Wireless Network
Wireless Speakers
e-Readers
iPad
iPhone Streaming
iPod Streaming
December 31, 2010
AT&T "It Can Wait" Texting Warning
AT&T has been on an "It Can Wait" campaign to warn teens on the dangers of texting while driving since March. They made this video to further their case and, although it is difficult to watch, should be made mandatory for driver's ed classes in schools or for those who are applying for a license.
We are not sure that those in cars should be the only target. Adults do it too as well as those who are trying to contact the drivers in the first place. Perhaps if it was treated like the "open alcohol in car" mandate and made illegal nationally, the statistics would change. In the meantime, with the New Year coming up, show the video to those you love.
Via AT&T
December 30, 2010
Universal iPhone/touch Unity Remote
The UnityRemote from GEAR4 is a small cylinder with IR transmitter that can be used with your TV, Apple TV, game player or other electronics. Download its accompanying app and you get a universal remote for your iPhone/iPod touch. With 360º coverage, no dongle is required. The remote is available now for the economic price of $99.00
Via GEAR4
December 30, 2010
Play With Your Food - Fab@Home
Shades of Richard Dreyfus in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and his mashed potatoes. We don't even begin to understand it, but we found that Cornell University Computational Synthesis Lab's Fab@Home Model 1 to be utterly fascinating. They see the printing of food, yeah, food, to be doable in the future. One loads up the ingredients, (for now chocolate, cheese and other liquid ingredients,) picks a recipe, tweaks it a bit, and a syringe literally prints the stuff. The team sees this technology as an eventual social networking tool. We see it as getting to play with your food and about 180º away from a Star Trek replicator.
Via Cornell
December 29, 2010
Hexound Headphones Convert to Speakers
It's only a concept, but what a clever one. Lie Zhong-Fa's Hexound is not your usual headphones as the ear pieces can detach and become speakers. Add to that a solar panel built into the headband, Bluetooth connectivity and intuitive controls. Sign us up!
Via Yanko
Polaroid Affordable Touch MP4 Player
Polaroid's Touch has a hi-res 2.8"touchscreen with built-in speaker, an 8GB memory and a microSD card slot. This means up to 2,000 tunes, 12 hours of video or 16,000 photos. The MP4 Player has USB 2.0 Hi-speed file transfer, very handy for those last thousand family reunion pictures.
Via Pioneer
December 28, 2010
B&O Beo6 Remote Features WiFi
Bang & Olufsen's Beo6 replaces the earlier model Beo5and adds WiFi to the device. With soft touch and tactile keys, volume is controlled by the center wheel and its light is instant-on. Menus from your TV are displayed onscreen with station logos and programmable macros allow for switching sources and control, including lighting and curtains. The company is so gung ho that they will install and hook up future B&O modules.
Via B&O
Pioneer BDP Series Blu-ray w/iOS Support
Pioneer's latest Blu-ray players have the convenience of 3D and more. The BDP-430, BDP-43FD, and the Elite BDP-41FD have iOS support and HDMI connectivity. At prices starting at $299.00, users can download a free iControlAV iOS App for control via iPhone/iPod.
Via Pioneer
December 27, 2010
Netflix Adds Disney-ABC/CBC to Lineup
Netflix's latest deal is with Disney-ABC. Programs can be accessed after 15 days of initial telecasts. The company has also recently acquired content from CBC for Canadian subscribers like TV series 'The Tudors' and the classic 'Kids in the Hall' (we loved that show!) as well as more cable TV series. A live stream of Starz Play channel is also available. Will they become the first complete live-streaming Internet channel? Today North America, tomorrow the world.
Via Netflix
Developer Kinects With Miku Hatsune
Ever have one of those dreams where you are falling and can't get up? That's somewhat similar to the end of this video when developer Nao_u, using his Kinect, turns into a virtual Miku Hatsune. He then adds a pair of Vuzix LCD Glasses to see what she sees and attempts to walk a plank atop a skyscraper. Spooky.
Via engadget
December 24, 2010
Freakin' Friday! Scosche Kickback for iPad
The Scosche Kickback will keep your iPad in a vertical or horizontal position about 90º for ease of use. Made of polycarbonate and shock-resistant rubber, the stand is hinged and has integrated traction nubs for griping flat surfaces. All controls and ports can be accessed on the sides after iPad insertion. Pre-order now for $59.99.
Via Scosche
Honey, It's Me Virtual Girlfriend
Developer Nabix has created an app known as 'Honey, It's Me,' a virtual girlfriend. A Korean model posed for it and dictated over a hundred voice messages such as "good morning" and "time to wake up" to send out to your iPhone. Leader of the Nabix team Kim Yoon-Kak says that it was meant to "console the lonely." Considering that it averaged about 80,000 downloads per day before they started charging $1.99, that's a boatload of lonely. Only in Korean for now, the company has future plans for English, Chinese and Japanese versions.
Via SMH
December 23, 2010
EA Mobile Game Super Sale
EA has put over 70 games for iPhone, touch and iPad at the low price of 99¢ each. Get them for yourself or use them as gifts for others. Check the App store for an entire list of available titles. Although there is no ending date mentioned, we expect that it will run till the end of this week at the very least.
Via EA Mobile
About.me Profiles Egotists
Want to put your name out there? About.me has only been around since September, but it seems that almost half a million users are on board. The site basically lets you put up a personal profile page, including a bio, links to your social networking sites and a high res image of you in all your glory. The service also lets you know how much traffic you are getting via charts and count.
Via About Me
December 22, 2010
Track Santa Via NORAD
The countdown gets ever closer to Santa and NORAD's yearly tracking. Yeah, it's a little cheesy, but we dig it anyway. This year you can follow him and his reindeer on your mobile phone December 24 by going to Google Maps for Mobile and searching "Santa."
Via NORAD tracks Santa
December 21, 2010
Redbox "Better in Blu" Promotion
Redbox is in the midst of its "Better in Blu" promotion for the holidays. If you do an annual dinner and a movie, sign up for their email and you will get a code that will get you a Blu-ray for the price of a DVD between Dec. 25 and 27.
Rent a movie and give them your e addy at a kiosk checkout and you will be automatically entered to win one of 5 prize packs with a Sony Blu-ray player and 52 promo codes for 2011. This deal is good through December 31.
Via Better in Blu
Kenwood Speaker Dock Modern Design
Kenwood's latest speaker dock is the CLX-70. Compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPhone 4 and iPods after the 2nd generation nano, the device features AM/FM radio, CD drive for MP3 files, DTS Envelo speakers with 30W amp, a USB port and SD card slot. The CLX-70 will come in black, white or pink when it comes out in the Japanese market this month.
Via Akihabara News
December 20, 2010
Pay It Forward With CauseWorld
If you want to pay it forward, get the free iTunes app CauseWorld. Sponsors such as Citibank, Kraft Foods and Proctor & Gamble will donate about $1,000,000 when you check-in to various supporters. You collect karma points and can decide where you want them to go. Users of the app have already helped donate $100,000 for Haiti and Chile, 228,000 meals and 18 million liters of clean water.
Via iTunes App Store
Billions Living Online Google
I have been on the Net since the early nineties, but I never realized how much until last week when I shut down my now fee-charging checking account that I rarely use in lieu of Paypal. The woman at the bank was very rude, making me wish I could go back online and shut it down with someone who is outsourced in the Philippines.
I watch Netflix Instant late at night rather than view old reruns or infomercials, find out what happened to the character actors that were in that movie on Wikipedia and trace the history of real events after viewing documentaries or historical films. I don't do Farmville or WOW, but I play games online or chat when my brain is fried.
I can't remember the last time I used snail mail and now pay all my bills online. The last couple of years I have shopped online, since prices are often lower, shipping is often free and I don't have to deal with mall rats (although identity theft still scares me.) And my home page has become my source of instant news.
Okay, I am addicted, but I decided to see how many of us are. So I Googled Google and came up with 2,510,000,000 results. Google Bing and you get 91,300,000 results and Yahoo comes up with 1,670,000,000. Bing for Bing and it will get you 6,210,000 results and if you Yahoo Yahoo you get 355,000,000 results. Hmmm, when was the last time you left your house?
December 17, 2010
Freakin' Friday! Toshiba 55" 3D TV Huge Price Reduction
While most retailers are offering savings on most of their HDTVs this holiday season, online retailers are doing the same. Case in point, the Toshiba 55WX800. Normally priced at $3299.99, it is now less than half of that at Amazon. With a 7,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 240Hz refresh rate, the 55" TV has built in WiFi for accessing online content and is 3D ready.
Via Toshiba
It's National Free Shipping Day!
Today is Free Shipping Day! Order anything from one of over 1,700 online merchants and you will get delivery by Christmas Eve if you are in the US. Click on the link to find those involved and restrictions. Note that the deal is only valid for in-stock merchandise.
Via Free Shipping Day
Planex Bluetooth In-Earphones
Planex brings out a new line of stereo in-earphones with an inline remote and battery integrated in its Bluetooth 2.1+EDR module. Available in blue, red or black, the wireless BT-07AHS series is great for listening to music or phone calls. With support for the A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, and HSP BT profiles, they carry a ¥5,000 (~$60.00) price.
Via Planex (translated)
December 16, 2010
Simple, Free TuneIn Radio Android App
TuneIn Radio is a handy application for Android phones that is simplified in its usage. The main screen divides the thousands of stations into categories and uses geolocation to find those in your area or globally. You tap on the screen to receive transmission of over 40,000 channels of music, talk radio, sports and those in languages other than English. There are also presets to mark your faves. The app is free and an ad-free version is also available.
Via App Brain
Yamaha DSP Has Multiple Listening Modes
Yamaha will soon be releasing a new Digital Sound Projector with subwoofer that supports HDMI 1.4. The sound bar features a 132W digital amplifier, height adjustable feet and CINEMA DSP and multiple listening modes. The YSP-2200 is also compatible with 7.1Ch Virtual surround with DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD and 3D Blu-Ray and can be synced to an iPhone or iPod. Pre-order is available.
December 15, 2010
aTV Flash for Apple TV and Windows
The aTV Flash is clever software from Firecore designed for the latest Apple TV and Windows. Their new beta version (black) 4.1 can play AVI, MP4, WMV and other files, lets you net surf, has simplified DVD viewing, can create play lists and access Last.fm. A free upgrade is available to those who already own aTV Flash and new users can now pre-order for the low price of $19.95 ($39.95 when it is out of beta.)
Via Firecore
Acer Revo 100 HTPC
Acer's Revo 100 is a Windows 7 HTPC powered by an AMD Athlon II Neo dual-core processor and includes 4GB RAM, Blu-ray drive, NVIDIA ION graphics, a multi-card reader and wireless keyboard controller. At a price of £599.99 (~$947.00,) it will handle any disc you toss into it, including 3D.
Via Acer
Panasonic Retains Avatar Exclusivity
Panasonic has managed to keep Avatar exclusive to its company through February 2012. This means that if you want to see it in all its 3D glory, you have to invest in that company. Because Panasonic heavily supported the making of, it is only logical that this deal is a no-brainer. Admit it, didn't the movie just blow you away and make you crave the 3D version to play innumerable times? And if you already own one of their 3DTVs, you can get a free copy of the film.
Via Panasonic
Talk to the Amulet Remote
Ya gotta love the Amulet voice-enabled remote for Windows Media Center. Record and watch TV, play some tunes and view videos and photos. You tell it to watch a channel or program or play specific music or group and it is instant on. Amulet will call out the name of a song if you forget and record if you request it. The Amulet has had a recent price reduction and comes with a battery that can be recharged via USB.
Via Amulet
December 14, 2010
TDK Updates Boombox
TDK has made what they feel is a more efficient boombox that they have appropriately named the "Three-Speaker Boombox." Due out in January, it features 35 watt RMS speakers, a built-in AM/FM radio and an OLED display. At a $499 price, it has audio inputs via USB including iPhone and iPod support.
Via Crave
December 13, 2010
Siri Virtual Personal Assistant App
Siri can be your new personal assistant via iPhone. Ask it to find you a restaurant, check the weather, get a taxi and the app does the leg finger work for you. Not only will it do the required tasks given by text or speech, it can do multiple inquiries simultaneously. Best of all, Siri is free and has just been released in a new Version 3.3 with a fancier appearance, support of retina display and a fix of about 60 bugs.
Via iTunes App Store
Cinema One Offers Dual Interface
Kaleidescape's Cinema One holds up to 225 DVDs or 2,500 CDs. It is an easy setup and, with an added junior remote, will switch to a simpler user interface for your kids. Incorporated are 2 music zones that will play in other rooms while a movie is being watched. The company also provides movie collections that you can purchase but considering that the system is $4,999 you may want to think about that option.
Via Kaleidescape
December 10, 2010
Freakin' Friday! WiFi Baby Cam
The Y-Link WiFi Baby streams video and audio to a PC, Mac, iPhone or iPad. It acts as both a camera and computer and has a password-protected wireless connection. The camera has motion detection, night vision and on-screen clock. After setup, it can also be used outside the home. A one time fee means that you do not have to pay a monthly subscription.
Via WiFi Baby
Netflix User Gets Revenge on Former GF
There are many ways to get revenge online for former couples, including posting embarrassing videos and pictures. One Netflix user took out his anger on his cheating girlfriend by rating movies until he came up with this result. Amusing, but we would have just blocked her access if they shared an account.
Via Reddit
December 9, 2010
Artist to Mount Camera in Back of Head
We call this hard core networking. Wafaa Bilal, a photography professor at NY University's Tisch School of the Arts had a titanium disc surgically implanted in the back of his head. After it heals a bit, a camera will attach to the disc and he will begin to take pictures in one minute intervals for a year, then send them to to the Arab Museum of Modern Art to complete the exhibit. The project, referred to as "The 3rd I," has a cable running to a PC and Bilal's intent is to lose subjectivity when taking photographs. If you cannot make it to the exhibit, you can catch it via his project link.
Via 3rd I
WOW Addicts Welcome Cataclysm
WOW Cataclysm has finally arrived. You can get your copy for $39.99 or $79.99 for the Collector's Edition at Best Buy. This new version features two new playable races, a level cap increase, and new objectives, battlegrounds and achievements. Let the addictive mayhem begin!
Via BestBuy
December 8, 2010
Bahnhof Underground Bunker Stores Wikileaks Data
Holy Moley, Batman! Check out the data center that now houses some of Wikileak's info. The Stockholm company Bahnhof owns the bunker that was originally built during the cold war. Energy comes from two used German submarine motors and if you sit through the entire video you will see that as they go down about 30 meters that this place is literally green and has a floating glass conference room.
By the way, Wikeleaks has changed its site to here if you want to keep up on the further adventures of the uncaped crusader Julian Assage.
Via Defense Tech
ViewSonic Offers Affordable 3D
Viewsonic has a couple of new 3D gadgets to unleash on us all. Their 3DV5 Pocket 3D HD Camcorder captures both 2 and 3D. It has a 2.4" LCD display with LED backlight, CMOS 30fps and uploads to YouTube 3D.
Their 8" 3DPF8 digital Photo Frame can convert 2D images and videos to 3D, can make slideshows with music and features a calendar and alarm clock. Both can be viewed without glasses.
Via ViewSonic
December 7, 2010
Kevin Baker Wins Navi Award
We haven't given out a NAVi award for quite some time, but we certainly believe that Logitech has earned one with this commercial with Kevin Bacon about Kevin Bacon. It certainly makes us want to consider investing in a Logitech Revue and Google TV.
Via Google TV Revue
Pure Twightlight Radio
Pure's new radio must be a fave to late night blood suckers as they have named it the Twilight. Their tag line is that it is "a new dawn in radio." You can set it up with one of four alarms, tones or FM radio, or hook up your iPod/MP3 player. The large dome changes hues to suit your whim, can be set up to fade and acts as a snooze button. It comes with built-in lullabies for your kidlets and ambient noise for you, and has a sleep timer. Contact Pure for price and availability.
Via Pure
December 6, 2010
Netflix Pays Big Bucks for Current TV
In its effort for world streaming domination, Netflix is reportedly paying $70,000 - $100,000 for current episodes of TV shows. They recently made a deal with NBC Universal to stream 'SNL' the day after airing. It seems that the company may knock other streaming services like Hulu and YouTube to the bottom of the video heap.
Via NY Post
SlingBox App for iPad
SlingPlayer goes mobile with an application that one ups the iPad's default. Supporting SOLO and PRO-HD models, it has a better resolution and adds a mobile app that operates in Compatibility Mode on the iPad. The SP app allows for controlling DVRs and your TV even if you are not home. Watch video wherever you are after purchase from the Apple App Store for $29.99.
Via Sling Media
December 3, 2010
Freakin' Friday! Yamaha Desktop Audio System
Yamaha's Desktop Audio System will play and charge your iPod or play MP3 and WMA files via USB. It also features a built-in CD player and AM/FM radio. Music comes out of the TSX-140 via two 15W full-range speakers. Needless to say, it will also charge your iPod and can be pre-ordered now.
Via Yamaha
Delta Offers Free iPad Service in Terminal
In their seeemingly eternal quest to make traveling a better experience, Delta has not only allowed bookings via Facebook, you might notice that they now have 135 free iPads in their terminal, mostly in their restaurant/bars. Installed by OTG Management, you can use one to order food, check your email or check out the latest video of someone complaining about a pat-down. Once you board, you can get free WiFi via Google Chrome through January 2.
Via OTG
December 2, 2010
Amazon Give as a Gift Button
If you want to give an ebook to someone this year, Amazon's "Give as a Gift" button lets you do that for anyone who has an email address. While they can be read on Kindles, they can also work on other eReaders, Apple, Blackberry and Android mobile devices, or PC and Mac.
Via Amazon Give as a Gift
Bolle Printer Makes Prints From iPhone
The Bolle BP-10 Photo Printer can create 4x6" photos from your iPhone with a free app from the iTunes store. Take images from your album or shoot and print. Compatible with all iPhones, the printer recharges your phone and can create four passport style images or up to 4 copies. Look for a £119.99 (~$187.00) price.
Via Mobile Fun
December 1, 2010
Study Finds WiFi May Damage Trees
A study by several universities in the Netherlands have found that WiFi radiation may be harmful to trees. They believe it can cause fissures and bleeding in tree barks and leave a shine on leaves that can cause them to wither. Further research is needed but we hope that their estimate of 70% damage in urban trees can be corrected over time. Fortunately, trees in dense forests are barely affected so perhaps the answer is to plant a tree (or several) if you work outside.
Via Wageningen University (translated)
NAV Monthly Round Up - November 2010
If you found yourself engulfed in Black Friday/Monday sales and missed any of our November postings, or our holiday gift guide, this is your chance to catch up. Thanks to all of you for following us on Twitter, including Penny-In, Smart Electric and Charlie V.
Application
Audio Devices
Audio Streaming
Black Friday
Blu-ray Players
Freakin' Friday
Game Console Streaming
Game Consoles
HDTV
Holiday Gift Guide
Home Networking
Home Theater
Image Streaming
Networking
News
PC to TV A/V Streaming
PS3 Streaming
Portable Media
Press Release
Speaker Systems
Steals and Deals
Storage
TV Streaming
Tablets
TiVo
VUDU
Video Devices
Video Streaming
Wireless Headphones
Wireless Internet Adaptors
Wireless Network
Wireless Speakers
e-Readers
iPad
iPhone Streaming
iPod Streaming
Multi-Functional iPod Music Station
Music systems continue to get smaller yet perform more functions. The portable 14 x 6 x 8.5" Hi-Fi Music Station is a combination iPod/MP3 docking speaker station, top-loading CD player and AM/FM radio with digital tuner. It also has an LCD backlit display, an SD/MMC card reader and a USB port for music playback from a memory card and flash disk. Its AUX-IN Jack also lets you connect with your PC.
Via Hi-Fi Music Station
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