CrunchGear |  |
- IFA 2010: Hands-On With The Samsung Galaxy Tab, Which Is ‘Not Just Another Tablet’
- Palmer Pocket Amp Saves You Some Heavy Lugging
- Panasonic Shows 2 New (And Impressive) TOUGHBOOK Models
- Starcraft II: 3 Million Sold In First Month
- Just Talkin’ Bout An iPod Evolution
- Post-Apple Palate Cleanser: Beautiful Cast-Iron Skillets
- FCC Reveals Inside Of New iPod Touch
- Sony Acts Like Sony, Announces Music Streaming Service
- There’s Some Spotify In My Sonos
- Concept And Future Gear Shown Off At Canon Expo
- Hands-On With The New iPod Nano
- Zune HD Refresh Rumors Interrupt Apple’s Day
- Boxee Box Gets Priced: $199
- LUM-TEC B15 Chronograph Watch Being Given Away On aBlogtoRead
- Amazon Unveils $.99 Fox And ABC TV Show Purchases. Apple Fanboys say wha?
- Discovery Channel Madness: Gunman Stormed HQ, Took 3 Hostages Earlier Today
- Hands-on With The New Apple TV
- Round-up: Our Take On Apple’s New Media Devices
- The Apple TV Isn’t For Pirates, It’s For Parents
- Apple TV: $99 in U.S. 119€ in Europe?
| IFA 2010: Hands-On With The Samsung Galaxy Tab, Which Is ‘Not Just Another Tablet’ Posted: 02 Sep 2010 04:17 AM PDT
Samsung used its IFA press conference today to introduce the widely anticipated (I suppose) Galaxy Tab, the company’s Android 2.2-based tablet. I have a video rendering as I type this, but I just wanted to get a few photos up as soon as possible. Samsung says the Galaxy Tab isn’t “just another tablet PC,” but rather a “smart media device.” In my few moments with it today, well, it is a tablet PC, but o pretty good one. My guess is that Samsung doesn’t want to be lumped in with the rest of the tablets out there. It has a 7-inch screen with a 1024×600 display. A front-facing camera lets you do video calls, and Flash 10.1 and HTML 5 ensures you’ll be able to see all that truly wonderful, rich content out there, no matter what the standard. The Galaxy Tab also doubles as an e-reader, with Kobo’s e-reader app providing the, um, app.      
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| Palmer Pocket Amp Saves You Some Heavy Lugging Posted: 02 Sep 2010 03:28 AM PDT
You also have the option to plug in your MP3 player or other device via the Stereo AUX inputs. As for the sound the Pocket Amp lets you switch between clean, crunch and heavy amp simulation modes and mic/cabinet position simulations. All the basic drive, level, treble and bass knobs are there as well. You can check out the Pocket Amp here.
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| Panasonic Shows 2 New (And Impressive) TOUGHBOOK Models Posted: 02 Sep 2010 03:00 AM PDT
Panasonic announced [JP] two new models from their TOUGHBOOK series of extra-sturdy and durable notebooks today. And both the CF31 from the TOUGHBOOK 31 series and the CF19 from the TOUGHBOOK 19 series boast some pretty impressive specs. The CF31 comes with these features (it’s pictured above):
The CF 31 (pictured above) has the following specs:
Panasonic will start selling bout Toughbooks in Japan tomorrow (prices: $5,400 for the CF31 and $3,680 for the CF19). No word yet regarding international sales.
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| Starcraft II: 3 Million Sold In First Month Posted: 02 Sep 2010 02:45 AM PDT
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| Just Talkin’ Bout An iPod Evolution Posted: 01 Sep 2010 08:18 PM PDT
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| Post-Apple Palate Cleanser: Beautiful Cast-Iron Skillets Posted: 01 Sep 2010 06:30 PM PDT
Yes, these beautiful cast-iron skillets from Borough Furnace are just what I required. [via NotCot]
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| FCC Reveals Inside Of New iPod Touch Posted: 01 Sep 2010 06:00 PM PDT
Of course, Apple told us the big picture – Retina display, A4 CPU, slimmer case and such. But what does it look like inside? Well, take a look at the gallery below, or just go directly to the FCC site and see for yourself.         [via Engadget]
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| Sony Acts Like Sony, Announces Music Streaming Service Posted: 01 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT
I love how Sony pretty much ignores the rest of the world, and does whatever they want. Take memory cards for example. Rather then use the industry standard compact flash or SD cards, Sony creates a new format in the memory stick. No one but Sony uses it, and they continue to use the memory stick to this day. Sometimes, admittedly, they win (Blu-ray) and sometimes they lose (Betamax), but they are never afraid to ignore what other people have done and do their own thing.
That brings us back to the latest example of Sony’s particular brand of crazy: music streaming. Despite the fact that there are other perfectly good music streaming applications out there, Sony has created one of their own. The new service, called Music Unlimited, is designed to work with many of Sony’s existing products to provide access to millions of stored tracks via the internet. I can’t really see a widespread adoption of Music Unlimited, unless they make it the only option to purchasers of their products. Sony announced this new service last night at the IFA show, just hours before Apple announced their latest and greatest. Brilliant. [via DeepTech]
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| There’s Some Spotify In My Sonos Posted: 01 Sep 2010 04:35 PM PDT
U.S. users still have to wait for Spotify to launch here, of course, or find another way to access the service.
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| Concept And Future Gear Shown Off At Canon Expo Posted: 01 Sep 2010 04:15 PM PDT
Here are a couple more pics. All these are courtesy of Philip Bloom.
Obviously not a consumer-ready device, but it’s cool nonetheless. They mention that the sensor is shooting above 60FPS, but the information card doesn’t put a cap on it. Probably doesn’t go as high as 120 or they would have mentioned it.
Then there’s this great, gigantic sensor, which they’re showing off by comparing what it and the human eye can see. As you can see, we are obsolete.
Lots more pics of various cameras and doodads over at Philip Bloom’s site. [via Electronista]
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| Hands-On With The New iPod Nano Posted: 01 Sep 2010 03:56 PM PDT
Ready for iPod Nano Round Six? Because, as of Apple’s media event this morning, it’s a reality — and it’s completely different from every Nano that came before it. We spent some time with the new Nano this afternoon. Want to get inside our heads on the matter? Join me after the jump for my first impressions on this lil’ guy. The Good:
The Bad:
The Ugly:
The Neutral:
Conclusion: Will these things sell like hotcakes? Absolutely. Would I buy one? Nah. The only use I have for a small MP3 player like this is for running, and the combination of sweat and a tiny touchscreen don’t seem like a good one. Based off my brief time with it, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it for the same audience I’d have recommended the Nano for: people who want a really great, reasonably flashy MP3 player, but don’t need the expandable frills of an iPod Touch. If you want something primarily for exercise, buy a Shuffle. If you want Apps, browsing, e-mail, etc., buy a Touch. Want something in between? Check this one out.     
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| Zune HD Refresh Rumors Interrupt Apple’s Day Posted: 01 Sep 2010 03:45 PM PDT
It’d make sense: several of the apps and improvements we’ve been seeing trickling out of WP7 development would work great on a Zune, though they might have to be slightly altered. Of course, Microsoft doesn’t always do what makes sense. If they did it, they’d have to to it fast. The WP7 momentum will carry a couple months for other devices, and if they’re smart, they’ll aim for that. But if (as the rumors suggest) they’re looking at sometime in 2011, I’m afraid they’re going to have a lot more competition. [via ZDNet]
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| Posted: 01 Sep 2010 03:31 PM PDT
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| LUM-TEC B15 Chronograph Watch Being Given Away On aBlogtoRead Posted: 01 Sep 2010 03:03 PM PDT  Go there and comment for a chance to win a B15 Combat Pilot watch from American watch brand LUM-TEC. That simple.
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| Amazon Unveils $.99 Fox And ABC TV Show Purchases. Apple Fanboys say wha? Posted: 01 Sep 2010 03:02 PM PDT
Steve touted the new $.99 rentals as one of the main features of the Apple TV and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a relatively cheap and easy way to watch a few TV shows. It almost makes sense if you’re not a big TV watch to opt for the pay-per-view scheme rather than a pricey cable subscription — 22 episodes in a season = $22. However, it could get expensive, too. Amazon’s solution, however, is just about the same thing but users are actually buying the videos for $.99 rather than renting them. The best part is that you may already have the capability as Amazon Video on demand is found in dozens of HDTVs from Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic, set top boxes like TiVo, and yes, even the Roku. I’m still seeing a $2.99 price via my TiVo HD, but that will likely drop to the new price before too long. Of course the Apple TV brings other features to the table that avid Apple users will no doubt enjoy, but this move from Amazon should make some consumer look closely at their current equipment before dropping $99 on the new streamer. I count three devices in my house with Amazon Video on demand.
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| Discovery Channel Madness: Gunman Stormed HQ, Took 3 Hostages Earlier Today Posted: 01 Sep 2010 02:27 PM PDT
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| Hands-on With The New Apple TV Posted: 01 Sep 2010 02:14 PM PDT
The new Apple TV is here, and it’s small, shiny, and pretty dang slick — but it’s not without its drawbacks. We just got to spend a bit of time with it following its debut at Apple’s press conference. So what’d I think? Join us after the jump for the first impressions.
The Bad:
The Ugly:
Conclusion: The new Apple TV is slick, tiny, and, at $99 bucks, comes in at a ridiculously reasonable price. That said, I probably wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who I thought could handle a more flexible piece of hardware. My grandma? Sure. My NZB-downloading friend who acquires all of his media through non-iTunes means? Probably not.
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| Round-up: Our Take On Apple’s New Media Devices Posted: 01 Sep 2010 01:02 PM PDT
We’ve got the news in about 20 separate posts, sure, but we have yet to apply our keen blogging sense to the announcements, rooting through the specs and pricing like trained truffle-hogs, and emerging gorged with opinion. Only then, our blog-thirst sated with Coldplay and turtlenecks, can we resume normal coverage of non-Apple news.  John: Everything is great in the land of Apple gadgets. They amazed everyone with both a Nano and Apple TV you could ingest by accident, as well as an iPhone for my mom (the iPod touch with Facetime). However, as I said before, the format lock-ins required by these devices may start to upset some folks but will probably not matter to a vast majority. In general, Apple is running the PMP space and everyone else is just hoping for the crumbs that fall from their table. While not the BEST.KEYNOTE.EVER (the iPad update would have been a welcome addition right about now) it was one of the better ones. Devin: The new iPod touch really is a killer all-purpose device, especially if used properly (read: jailbreak it). it’s a shame they’ve limited the still photos to such a low resolution, though; I wonder if the video quality will suffer too? The Nano is an amazing little device, too. I think they’ll be very popular. As far as the Apple TV, well, I think they undershot it a bit. There’s room for a lot more functionality that could have been added without complicating the device, and I think that’s going to be clear in comparisons with existing and new set-top boxes over the next few weeks and months. Matt: Sigh. Oh, Apple TV. How I wanted to like you. But I don’t. You’re not for me. I’m sure you’re a fine device in your own right, but you’re just too closed-minded to fit my lifestyle. I wanted something like you that brought all my media to my HDTV in a wife-friendly manner, but I guess I’ll just have to wait for the Boxee Box. Besides, where’s your QWERTY remote? Apple clearly doesn’t love you. Hopefully some enterprising devs can loosen your chains and let you run free. Dave: I like the new iPod touch (I use my 2G all the time), the new Nano looks to be at the perfect price point to me. Don’t care much about the new features in iTunes, as the artists I listen don’t generally don’t communicate via social networking. I find the new Apple TV a bit limited, other then as a Netflix streaming box, and there are others out there. Again, Apple is trying to keep us in that lovely walled garden of theirs, and while it might be pretty inside, I’d rather have the ability to choose where and how I get my media. I guess I’m not really the target market for their media services. Kyle: iOS4 look like a fun upgrade, but I'll do it and think nothing more. However, we finally get streaming over Airtunes, I mean Airplay, from an iOS4 device. The new shuffle clearly restates, "If it's not broken, don't fix it." I think people will be happy to have their buttons back. The new Nano excites me; I've been meaning to get my girlfriend something to use for running, and this fits the bill. The new iPod touch is cool but of no interest to myself, nor to the Verizon customers that might buy them – if you want iOS4, you can wait until January. Apple TV is cool, but I'm not sure who will buy it, I want to stream my own videos, not rentals. We’ll have comparisons and breakdowns over the next couple weeks as the new devices are reviewed, torn down, and put side-by-side with competing products. In the meantime, sound off below or join the conversation in one of the numerous news posts. Thanks for tuning in to/tolerating our Apple coverage, guys. We love you so much.
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| The Apple TV Isn’t For Pirates, It’s For Parents Posted: 01 Sep 2010 12:26 PM PDT
Oh no, the Apple TV is for those on the up and up. It’s clearly for those that for one reason or another, want an easier or legal way to get on-demand content on their HDTV. I can’t think of a single device that makes renting TV shows and movies easier. The Roku? Well, it has Netflix and Amazon Video On Demand, but even those require one or two more steps than the new Apple TV — and you can’t get the latest TV episodes, either. Its dead simple interface and feature set are the Apple TV’s main draw and, I suspect, why it will be successful. It’s actually a smart move on Apple’s part. They are clearly going after the mainstream here. The Apple TV will probably sell like mad come Christmas. It’s $99 and brings a person’s entire iTunes collection to a the big screen. I wouldn’t be shocked to see stores like Best Buy sell it alongside iPhone. But unless some devs open up the device, it’s not for downloaders or advanced users. The supported media formats are far too limited and everything has to be streamed through iTunes Home Sharing. There doesn’t seem to be any way for it to access local network shares directly, which pretty much kills the appeal for that demographic. That’s fine; there are several devices that already serve that market, from the Western Digital TV to the Seagate FreeAgent Theater+, to the dozens of other devices available. Want something Apple TV-ish? Wait for the Boxee Box this coming November. That seems to be the device that will fill the gap between versatile and mainstream. Personally I find the new Apple TV boring, but I’ll admit it’s not for me. I left my Mac behind when Windows 7 came out. Moved my photo collection from iPhoto to Picasa and get my music from RDIO. All my videos and TV content are served up from a TiVo. I’m set, but the Apple TV should satisfy most mainstream consumers’ need for on-demand content. Everyone else should continue lurking in the shadows.
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| Apple TV: $99 in U.S. 119€ in Europe? Posted: 01 Sep 2010 12:02 PM PDT
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Starcraft II has already set the record as the fastest-selling real-time strategy game of all time, at least that’s what Blizzard claims. 
With today’s announcement of the new iPod Touch, you know there are 
Great news for Europeans and those few U.S. users of music streaming service Spotify. 
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