How you load the batteries doesn't matter anymore: Microsoft unveils InstaLoad
Posted on 2-Jul-2010 09:02 News, Consumer Electronics
InstaLoad allows users to easily install a battery without regard to positive and negative polarity, and unlike existing electronic solutions designed to address battery-polarity installation, InstaLoad is a mechanical invention that does not drain battery power or require expensive electronic circuitry.
Sonic to acquire DivX
Posted on 3-Jun-2010 09:38 News, Consumer Electronics
DivX is a digital media company that enables consumers to enjoy a high-quality video experience across any kind of device. The DivX brand is recognized worldwide and supported by a community of millions of consumers.
HP New Zealand to release Home Server for PCs and Macs
Posted on 23-Mar-2010 14:44 News, Consumer Electronics
Based on the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform, the HP MediaSmart Server is a central repository for automatically backing up and accessing digital music, videos, photos and documents from multiple computers on a home network.
HP to launch music service in Europe
Posted on 26-Jan-2010 16:52 News, Consumer Electronics
Omnifone, an independent provider of unlimited music services globally, has announced a partnership with HP to distribute the MusicStation Desktop unlimited music service on over sixteen HP models across ten European countries.
Amazon announces Kindle Development Kit
Posted on 22-Jan-2010 09:24 News, Consumer Electronics
Software developers can now build active content for Kindle - travel books that suggest activities based on real-time weather and current events, cookbooks that recommend menus based on size of party and allergies, and word games and puzzles - are just some of the possibilities with the new Kindle Development Kit.
Sony introduces SD and MicrosSD memory cards
Posted on 15-Jan-2010 14:17 News, Consumer Electronics
Company has decided to expand consumer options for mobile storage beyond its own Memory Stick and SxS products with the introduction of SD/SDHC and MicroSD/MicroSDHC memory cards.
Kodak alleges patent infringement by Apple and RIM
Posted on 15-Jan-2010 10:02 News, Consumer Electronics
The Kodak complaint, filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), specifically claims that Apple’s iPhones and RIM’s camera-enabled BlackBerry devices infringe a Kodak patent that covers technology related to a method for previewing images.
TiVo and Google team up on audience research data
Posted on 25-Nov-2009 12:38 News, Consumer Electronics
This deal will enable Google TV Ads to draw on anonymous, second-by-second DVR viewing data from TiVo's stand-alone subscribers to substantially enhance the measurement and accountability of ad impressions for inventory sold using the Google TV Ads auction-based system. The TiVo sample covers all television signal sources including digital cable, analog cable, satellite, telecom and over-the-air television, in live and timeshifted viewing.
Lexar Image Rescue 4 delivers image recovery capabilities with any memory card
Posted on 24-Nov-2009 13:11 News, Consumer Electronics
Software recovers lost or deleted images and videos stored in any memory card format from any manufacturer and all mass storage compliant card readers. Includes one-step interface for fast image recovery and automatic updating capability helps users stay current with new camera RAW files and computer operating systems.
Older people have their say on robots in aged care
Posted on 23-Nov-2009 14:25 News, Consumer Electronics
A study of older people’s attitudes towards robots is helping researchers at The University of Auckland to develop inexpensive robotic assistants for aged care. With a rapidly ageing population placing an increased strain on the health and aged care sectors, the group aims to develop inexpensive robotic devices to help staff with menial tasks, and extend the amount of time older people can stay in their own homes.
Renaissance appointed as Adobe Gold Channel Partner
Posted on 5-Nov-2009 16:06 News, Consumer Electronics
As an Adobe Gold Partner Renaissance will gain access to additional resources and support from Adobe specialists, which it says will provide a wide range of benefits to all users of Adobe software in New Zealand.
Cisco to launch Flip Mino and MinoHD video recorders across New Zealand and Australian markets
Posted on 2-Nov-2009 13:13 News, Consumer Electronics
Flip Video camcorders will be arriving on shelves across Australia and New Zealand, offering consumers a simple way to bring video into everyday lifestyles. Flip Video has been a hit with the social networking generation in the United States because it delivers the combination of sleek design, ease of use and video quality. Flip Video has been the top selling camcorder in the U.S. with millions of units sold in the past two years.
Competition to design intergalactic weapon opens
Posted on 2-Nov-2009 09:59 News, Consumer Electronics
To celebrate the release of Ratchet and Clank: A Crack In Time on PS3, Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand (SCENZ) is giving users a special chance to get their own weapon design bought to life by WETA.
Toshiba launches Direct Methanol Fuel Cell in Japan
Posted on 23-Oct-2009 10:52 News, Consumer Electronics
Dynario's DMFC delivers almost instant refueling that untethers electrical equipment from AC adapters and power outlets. It runs on mix of methanol and ambient oxygen, and the chemical reaction between the two in the fuel cell produces electricity. It operates with only a small volume of concentrated methanol solution, reducing the size and weight of the fuel tank and the overall product.
Barnes & Noble introduces nook, its wireless eBook reader
Posted on 21-Oct-2009 18:51 News, Consumer Electronics
First device to allow readers to lend eBooks, the connected eBook reader offers free 3G wireless and Wi-Fi access to over one million eBooks, newspapers and magazines. Wi-Fi enables free in-store browsing of complete eBooks.
