High-tech product releases announced the week ending March 31 include a German-made tablet to rival the iPad, a range of iPhone compatible headphones from Sony, an LED TV that connects to the internet, the smallest digital camera in the world, and a universal charger that can power your digital devices in minutes.
German tablet takes on the iPad
It might sound like some kind of bad iPad rip-off, but the WePad is actually a viable iPad competitor. The tablet is made by a Germany company by the name of Neofonie and actually has some impressive specs. The WePad boasts a 11.6 inch display, a 1,66 GHz Intel Atom processor, a 1.3MP webcam, 2 USB ports, a card reader, support for both Flash and Adobe AIR, apps available through both the Android Market and a WePad AppStore, and multitasking support. Neofonie says the tablet will be sold at a price that undercuts Apple's iPad. An official release date is yet to be announced, with some reports suggesting it will be available in Germany before Apple's April 3 shipping date and others reporting a release in May.
In-ear headphones that will control your iPhone
Sony's new range of headphones has been designed to work seamlessly with your iPhone, iPod and iPad. Sony's DR-EX300ip, MDR-EX38ip, DR-V150iP, and MDR-E10iP headphones all come with built-in play function and volume fingertip control as well as an integrated microphone for hands-free calling. Each model has been created for a different core user base: the DR-EX300iP boasts studio-quality sound in a compact in-ear format thanks to its 13.5mm Neodymium driver unit (and also comes with its own leather carry case); the MDR-EX38iP is branded as a stylish in-ear headphone with a 9mm Neodymium, driver; the DR-V150iP has been tailor made for DJs wanting crisp commanding sound and generous power handling (the reversible earcups allow for single-sided monitoring and fatigue-free wear); and the MDR-E10iP is great for fashion conscious listeners with smaller ears on a budget. The DR-EX300iP, DR-V150iP and MDR-E10iP headsets are available from May 2010. The MDR-EX38iP is available now. No prices were available.
High Picture Quality LED TV that connects to the internet for on demand entertainment
The Toshiba UX600 Series LED TV is an internet-connected TV that provides high quality viewing. The TV comes bundled with Toshiba's "Net TV" experience - a service that includes access to more than 3,000 on-demand HD (true 1080p HD and 5.1 surround sound) movies via VUDU Movies, audio streaming applications like Pandora, social networking applications like Facebook and Twitter, and access additional video, news and photo services like YouTube, Flickr, Picasa, the New York Times, AP, and National Weather. The UX600 has its own WiFi adapter so you can connect to the internet as soon as you plug your TV in to the power. The TV comes in 40", 46" and 55" sizes for $1,399.99, 1,699.99 and $2,499.99 respectively and will be available for purchase from March.
The smallest digital videocamera in the world
Muvi's Atom Digital Video Camera is an incredibly tiny digital video recording device at just 4cm x 2cm x2cm. It records in VGA quality (640x480) and comes with a 2GB Micro SD card (but is compatible with cards up to 8GB). The device has a VOX mode that lets you speak your stop/start commands so you can record without having to touch the device. It charges and transfers recorded video via USB. The Muvi Atom is great for capturing your extreme sporting adventures. It can be attached to almost anything including your bike or helmet using the Extreme Sports Pack (sold separately). The camera can be purchased from firebox.com for €89, $120 and is available now.
A universal charger that will power your digital devices in minutes
The Zipcharge Quick Charger uses "cutting edge battery chemistry" to quickly and efficiently power your digital gadgets. The portable rechargeable stick will charge your device up to four times faster than a regular lithium-ion charger. After 15 minutes charging, the Zipcharge Quick Charger will provide enough juice for 20 extra hours of playtime on your iPad or 10 hours more talk time on your mobile phone. After just 60 seconds charging you will have enough power to play your iPod for an additional 2 hours, give your mobile phone up to eight hours on standby, or power your digital camera to take up to 80 more photos. The Zipcharge Quick Charger comes with a large range of adaptor tips to suit the majority of your electronic gadgets. The super fast charger can be purchased from Firebox.com for €55, $75 and is available now.
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