Sony's PlayStation

Sony's PlayStation Move can't quite challenge Wii

When Nintendo unveiled the Wii four years ago, few game industry pundits gave it much of a chance.
Its core processor was pedestrian compared with those in Sony's PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360, the other new consoles that debuted about the same time. It didn't support high-definition video, unlike its rivals. And while the other two consoles could play movies and do other multimedia tricks, all the Wii did was play games.
But none of that mattered because of the Wii's innovative motion-sensing controllers. The controllers helped reinvent gaming, making it more fun and accessible to the masses.
Those controllers, along with some well-done games and a price that was significantly lower than its rivals, made the Wii a hit. Nintendo has now sold 74 million Wiis, nearly as many as the combined sales of the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360.
It took them a while, but Sony and Microsoft finally realized that motion-sensing games are more than a passing fad. In hopes of luring past and would-be-future Wii buyers, Sony released its new motion-sensing system, dubbed the PlayStation Move, earlier this month, and Microsoft will soon follow with its own system.
The Move is actually a collection of accessories. The two core parts are the Eye camera, a Web camera designed specifically for the PlayStation 3, and the Move motion controller, which looks like a handheld microphone with a glowing ping pong ball on top.

Tiny 1GB USB Star Wars Light Saber USB Drive

This tiny five-inch lightsaber is perfect for the hamster Jedi in your life. Hidden in the cap is a whopping 1GB of storage! You might require more space to store your files on, however considering how often hamsters are seen using computers this is probably all the storage they will ever need.


"These are not the sunflower seeds you are looking for..."
*waves tiny paw mysteriously*

The Return of Super 8 - Digital Harinezumi 2 Video Camera

Super 8 cameras were released in 1965 by Eastman Kodak as an improvement over their standard 8 mm format. Many memories were captured on this silent format and one can almost spot the distinct look of Super 8 a mile away. Superheadz in Tokyo have designed a digital video camera that shoots "Super 8 like" videos in 640x480 format - the Digital Harinezumi 2. The designers of this camera intentionally removed audio from the recording format and there's no live view when shooting still photos! This unique toy camera isn't for everyone but for those who loved the Super 8 format or a warm retro look it is right up your alley. We've dug our own homemade Super 8 movies out of the archive from 1982 and encoded them for your enjoyment below. As soon as we're able to get our hands on our own Harinezumi 2 expect a full review and comparison to the original format. Full camera specs and product link after the jump.

Taito USB Light Up Warning Labels

At first glance, these USB light up warming labels seem....silly. Why obstruct your USB port with a silly light up sign? Then we had a closer look at the available warnings:

• On Air (written in english)
• Fasten your seat belt (logo)
• SOS
• Operation in progress (written in japanese, red colour)
• Do not use fire (written in japanese & english)
• Empty bus (written in japanese, white colour and blue words)
• It's Warm (written in japanese)
• Safety first (written in japanese, yellow colour)
• No smoking (written in japanese and english, white colour)
• Exit (written in japanese and english, green colour)
• Yep, still silly. Although the "On Air" one might not be so bad.

Apple iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G Is Available Today

We hope those of you who've been waiting for the WiFi + 3G enabled iPad got the spot you wanted in line today! Eager early adopters started lining up this morning for new iPads with 3G enabled service through AT&T. Important note for iPhone users: The 3G iPads use the new smaller micro SIM which means you won't be able to swap your SIM from your iPhone with existing service so be prepared to spend an additional $30 a month for 3G on your iPad. For those of you who'd rather armchair shop than wait in line the iPad can also be ordered online at the Apple Store.

Solar Chargers for Gadgets and Cellphones

Even though we've never reviewed them here (what's wrong with us?) we actually own and use both the Powermonkey eXplorer and the Solio Magnesium Edition Solar Charger and find both of them quite satisfactory. However either of these solar chargers run upwards of $100 to own. ThinkGeek has the budget conscious in mind with the Pico Freeloader Solar Charger, a compact and lightweight wonder that according to the specs provides power of 35 hours on mobile phone, 14 hours on iPod, or 1.5 hours on GPS on a single ten hour charge. What's particularly nice about the Pico is that you can recharge its internal lithium ion via USB in case of eternal winter (no sun). Oh, did we mention it's only $39?

Dell Streak Android Tablet

We were afforded the opportunity to preview the new Dell Streak cellphone prior to release, and our early hands-on review is extremely positive.


Full specifications:

• 5-inch capacitive multi-touch WVGA (800x480) display
• Qualcomm1GHz Snapdragon ARM processor
• 5 MP rear camera, shoots 640x480 video
• 640x480 VGA front camera for video calls
• Replaceable battery! (yay)
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• 3G/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity
• 2GB Internal storage, Micro SD slot expandable up to 32GB

iPod Touch 4th Gen (4G) & Comparison

What's In  iPod Touch 4th Gen (4G) & Comparison?

• iPod Touch 4G
• Instruction Booklet
• iPod USB Sync Cable
• Apple Headphones

Pros:

• Retina Display, 960-by-640-pixel resolution at 326 pixels per inch.
• Two cameras! Video recording, HD (720p) up to 30 frames per second with audio; still photos (960 x 720) with back camera. VGA-quality photos and video up to 30 frames per second with the front camera.
• Full iOS4 compatibility, FaceTime, Game Center, multitasking.
• Built-in microphone.

Cons:

• Mirrored rear fingerprints easily.
• Easy to cover rear camera lens with your finger.
• Pricing structure seems strange: 8GB is $229, next step up is 32GB for $299. 64GB is $399.

Best External Portable Speaker For iPod

Let's be honest - sometimes party music just sucks. Either your host has great taste in everything else but music, or a sub-party forms outside and is too far away to hear the music inside. The Altec Lansing iM-237 Orbit Ultraportable Speaker uses a 3.5mm input (or 2.5mm with adapter) so you can plug in your MP3 player, iPod, iPhone, Zune, or anything that can accept a standard headphones. The up-firing neodymium driver pumps out impressive sound in a 360-degree pattern - almost everyone who's seen me whip out this speaker and use it can't believe the sound it puts out. (The others were too busy dancing to notice!) If you're looking for the best external portable speaker to compensate for the wimpy sound most MP3 players put out with their built-in speakers, look no further.

Griffin FlexGrip Action Case for iPod Touch 4G

What's In Griffin FlexGrip Action Case for iPod Touch 4G?

• FlexGrip Action Silicone Case
• Handstrap

Pros:

• Form-fitting silicone protects well.
• Twin wedges provide a comfortable feel and solid grip.
• Handstrap provides extra protection against "oopsies dropsies."

Cons:

• Just a wee bit pricey at $29.99.
• Handstrap could snap off if pulled too hard.
• No screen protection.

Conclusion:


As of today, the iPod Touch 4G came out roughly two weeks ago. TWO WEEKS. Yet Apple Stores and other retail outlets are devoid of any cases for the 4th Generation iPod Touch! Could it be that Apple wants to make sure everyone sees what your new handheld looks like out of the case? We thought all the leaks about form factors for new iPods came from case manufacturers!?! All conspiracy theories aside, the Griffin FlexGrip is exactly what we are looking for the first of what will be surely many cases we will review for the new iPod Touch. It has an excellent look and feel, doesn't add much weight or thickness, and the dual-wedge design provides just enough extra width at the top and bottom to keep your new handheld from slipping out of your hand and on to the pavement. Recommended.