Archive for September 2nd, 2008

Question of the Day: Do You Listen to an MP3 Player While Working Out? [Question Of The Day]

The news about new iPods coming out on September 9th combined with observations during my daily visits to the gym have got me wondering about how many of you use an MP3 player while working out. Based on these observations alone, it seems that somewhere around 40 to 50% percent of gym goers rely on an MP3 player to pump them up. It is a good thing too because most studies show that listening to music you enjoy while working out improves results. So, do you use an MP3 player during your workout? How do you use it? Do you exercise at all?

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Shure Rolls Out Cheaper SE102MPA Phone Headset, Bundles Free Music Phone Adapter With Full SE Line [Earphones]

As you know from our recent Battlemodos, we love Shure’s SE line of in-ear headphones, especially when paired with the Music Phone Adapter that gives you a microphone and control button for your iPhone. Previously, the MPA was a $50 add-on and the cheapest phones you could get it with were the $120 SE110s, but the new SE102MPA set adds the SE line’s modular design to the low-end (but still great) SLC2 phones from Shure’s “Pro” category and adds an iPhone adapter for $100, total. And on top of that, they’ve bundled the MPA with the whole modular SE line for even more deals.

The prices of the MPA bundles now match the current retail prices for just the headphones on Shure’s site, so you’ll save around $50 across the board. Pair that with the company’s top-notch service and warranties (they’ll replace your phones via FedEx for just about any failure for a period of 2 years after purchase), and you’ve got a solid deal all around.

SE102MPA: $99.99 retail price; $119.99 MSRP
SE110MPA: $129.99 retail price; $154.99 MSRP
SE210MPA: $179.99 retail price; $214.99 MSRP
SE310MPA: $279.99 retail price; $334.99 MSRP
SE420MPA: $379.99 retail price; $429.99 MSRP
SE530MPA: $469.99 retail price; $519.99 MSRP

Shure Introduces SE102MPA Sound Isolating™ Stereo Headset

New $99 Bundled Music + Mobile Accessory Turns “Everyday Audiophile”
into “Everyday Superuser”

NILES, IL, September 2, 2008 – Shure Incorporated today unveiled the
$99.99 SE102MPA Sound Isolating™ Stereo Headset, a new entry-level
accessory that brings a premium audio and communication experience to
price-conscious iPhone and smartphone owners. It offers Shure’s newest
SE earphone model bundled with the company’s wildly popular Music
Phone Adapter (MPA).

When the iPhone launched in June 2007, Shure was there to deliver.
The company brought its 80-year professional audio legacy to iPhone
enthusiasts everywhere with the MPA, one of the first premium
accessories to seamlessly marry listening and communicating. Now,
with a better-than-ever iPhone and host of new multi-function devices
exploding onto the scene, Shure is innovating once again with an
entire line of do-it-all bundled accessories that maximize converged
device performance for every level of user.

According to the CEA/GfK Worldwide Consumer Electronics Sales &
Forecast, global sales of mobile phones and smartphones were $156
billion in 2007 (1.09 billion units) and are expected to reach $178
billion in 2008 (more than 1.2 billion units). With Apple paving the
way, it’s clear that the promise of convergence is unfolding.
Multi-function devices no longer have to sacrifice performance in one
area to achieve it in another, and as a result, new buyers are
investing in converged devices and in the accessories that maximize
device performance. After witnessing the phenomenal success of its
MPA, Shure anticipated growing demand for bundled products that would
offer consumers their favorite Shure earphone models packaged with an
MPA. With the SE Sound Isolating™ Stereo Mobile Headsets, Shure
enthusiasts at every level can enjoy a premium listening and
communication experience no matter when and how they’re using their
converged devices.

“Smartphones are the new ‘it’ devices because users no longer have to
abandon who they are to benefit from smartphone technology,” said Mark
Karnes, Executive Director, Global Marketing, Shure. “With Apple
offering the first true medium, audiences from casual users to
musicphiles, moviephiles and constantly-connected business users can
get it all from one device. They want the same from accessories — one
high-performance, bundled accessory that maximizes everything their
device offers — and this is exactly what Shure is delivering with its
new bundled headset line.”

The SE102MPA Sound Isolating Stereo Headset

Designed for iPhone owners in search of a seamless music plus mobile
experience at an affordable price, the SE102MPA delivers premium sound
and one-touch call answering. Interchangeable Sound Isolating™
Sleeves and an inline microphone guarantee clear communication, even
in noisy environments. A unique cable design allows the user to
remove the MPA for additional versatility and convenience.

Additional SE102MPA features

Dynamic MicroSpeakers: Professional-grade Dynamic MicroSpeakers bring
premium, rock star sound quality to the “everyday audiophile.”
Low-profile VoicePort™ Microphone: Tuned to enhance intelligibility
regardless of background noise, this professional grade Shure
microphone uses VoicePort technology to provide superior sound quality
and ensure that callers hear each other clearly even in noisy
environments.

Modular Cable Design: Shure is now extending the modularity concept it
pioneered with its SE models to its SE Sound Isolating Stereo Mobile
Headsets. An interchangeable cable provides unmatched flexibility and
boundless options for consumers to personalize their converged
devices.

Sound Isolating Sleeves: Shure signature Sound Isolating Sleeves
prevent outside noise from interfering with a consumer’s audio
experience and block more background noise than active noise
cancellation technology. Interchangeable earphone fit options deliver
unparalleled personal customization and comfort.
Carrying Pouch/Included Accessories: The SE102MPA is packaged with a
zipper-less drawstring pouch and three pairs of soft flex sleeves (S,
M, L).

Shure SE Sound Isolating Stereo Mobile Headsets (SE110MPA, SE210MPA,
SE310MPA, SE420MPA, SE530MPA)

In addition to the SE102MPA, Shure is also introducing several other
SE Sound Isolating Stereo Mobile Headsets: the SE110MPA, SE210MPA,
SE310MPA, SE420MPA and SE530MPA, a new headset family that offers
Shure’s acclaimed SE earphone models bundled with the MPA.

These new products combine all of consumers’ favorite attributes of
Shure SE models – including superior audio quality, beautiful design,
modular capabilities, comfort and portability – with the convenience
of a detachable stereo mobile headset. The bundled models will
include all accessories currently packaged with existing Shure SE
models. The SE110MPA, SE210MPA, SE310MPA, SE420MPA and SE530MPA also
include a 3-foot extension cable for users who prefer to remove the
MPA.

Pricing and Availability

SE102MPA: $99.99 retail price; $119.99 MSRP
SE110MPA: $129.99 retail price; $154.99 MSRP
SE210MPA: $179.99 retail price; $214.99 MSRP
SE310MPA: $279.99 retail price; $334.99 MSRP
SE420MPA: $379.99 retail price; $429.99 MSRP
SE530MPA: $469.99 retail price; $519.99 MSRP

Shure SE Sound Isolating Stereo Mobile Headsets will begin to be
available to consumers in September 2008 and will carry a two-year
limited warranty. All Shure Sound Isolating™ Earphones, headsets and
inline accessories may be purchased online at www.shure.com, as well
as at select retail partners. Check www.shure.com for a complete list
of Authorized Dealers.


Orator’s Briefcase PA System For Impromptu Speeches [Shut Up Already]

With the Orator’s Briefcase, you never know when a speech might break out unexpectedly. This relatively normal looking briefcase opens up to reveal a lectern, a microphone on a gooseneck arm and a PA system with two 4-inch speakers and a 20-watt amplifier. If you are delivering your crazy propaganda to uninterested crowds on the go, the whole system can be powered with eight C batteries for up to four hours. It can also be connected to AC power for more long-winded speeches. Plus, exercising your First Amendment rights anytime, anywhere only sets you back $350. [Hammacher Schlemmer via Neatorama via Dvice]


Commodore impresses with prototypes at IFA, really

Filed under: Handhelds, Laptops


While the idea of Commodore showing off some early prototype devices isn’t exactly the sort of thing that’d normally get many folks’ hopes up, the never-say-die company looks to have managed to impress the doubters at IFA, where it had a number of intriguing-looking concepts on hand in addition to that soon-to-be-released netbook we saw yesterday. That includes two Pocket PC devices — one with a sliding QWERTY keypad and one that opts for a folding design (pictured above) — as well as a much slicker-looking netbook than the one that is actually going to be released, naturally (check it out after the break). Of course, specs for any of those are virtually non-existent, although there’s apparently some talk that the Pocket PCs could sell for between €100 and €150 (or roughly $220 to $290) whenever they’re actually released. Be sure to hit up the gallery below for plenty more shots courtesy of Engadget Spanish.

Continue reading Commodore impresses with prototypes at IFA, really

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iRiver Spinn Media Player Has a Great 70s Retro Flair, Feels Oh-So-Good [IFA 2008 Hands-On]

I love the new analog controller in the iRiver Spinn as much as I love its simple brushed aluminum design, the old radio-inspired user interface, and the whole packaging. While I’m still partial to direct touch interfaces—which the Spinn has as well, although it’s not multitouch—the Spinn rolling thingie feels great, giving it a heavenly 70s analog feeling.

The Good: Very good quality. The interface is simple, straightforward, and so is the device itself. They really nailed this one. As they told me, they are looking into the past to get some inspiration for their products, bypassing the whole let’s-copy-Apple theme that dominates the MP3 industry. Good move, because they nailed it with this one.

The Bad: The AMOLED screen didn’t seem to me like the best thing ever.

Bottom line: Great digital audio and movie player. While I couldn’t try the synching with the computer—which it’s crucial to get a good overall experience with this type of devices—it feels like a winner.

According to iRiver, it will arrive to the US in September, but they couldn’t tell me the price. In the European market, it will arrive in October for 220 euros. [More IFA 2008 Coverage]


Commodore hops on the netbook bandwagon with UMMD 8010/F

Filed under: Laptops


As we’ve seen countless times by now, the folks behind the Commodore brand will stop at nothing to keep the venerable name alive, and they’ve now finally hopped on the biggest bandwagon going, with the UMMD 8010/F marking the company’s first foray into the netbook game. Unfortunately, apart from that familiar logo, there’s not too much that stands out here, with the netbook packing a 10-inch screen, a 1.6GHz VIA C7-M processor, an 80GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, built-in WiFi, and optional Bluetooth. The nearly $600 price tag also doesn’t do it any favors, but we’re guessing there’s at least a few nostalgic folks out there that’ll add one to their Commodore collection as soon as they’re available.

[Via GottaBeMobile]

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Yamaha Trumpet…Cellphone? [Cellphones]


Yamaha and KDDI put together a group of concept cellphones with musical themes, including a trumpet, guitar, DJ scratch pad, and drums. [MobileMentalism and AkihabaraNews]


iRiver Spinn Media Player Has a Great 70s Retro Flair, Feels Oh-So-Good [IFA 2008 Hands-On]

I love the new analog controller in the iRiver Spinn as much as I love its simple brushed aluminum design, the old radio-inspired user interface, and the whole packaging. While I’m still partial to direct touch interfaces—which the Spinn has as well, although it’s not multitouch—the Spinn rolling thingie feels great, giving it a heavenly 70s analog feeling.

The Good: Very good quality. The interface is simple, straightforward, and so is the device itself. They really nailed this one. As they told me, they are looking into the past to get some inspiration for their products, bypassing the whole let’s-copy-Apple theme that dominates the MP3 industry. Good move, because they nailed it with this one.

The Bad: The AMOLED screen didn’t seem to me like the best thing ever.

Bottom line: Great digital audio and movie player. While I couldn’t try the synching with the computer—which it’s crucial to get a good overall experience with this type of devices—it feels like a winner.

According to iRiver, it will arrive to the US in September, but they couldn’t tell me the price. In the European market, it will arrive in October for 220 euros. [More IFA 2008 Coverage]


Filed under: Robots

While a great many scientists are attempting to create autonomous bots for uses in surgery, a team of Stanford whiz-kids are having a bit more fun with it all. The crew in question has concocted an artificial intelligence system that “enables robotic helicopters to teach themselves to fly difficult stunts by watching other helicopters perform the same maneuvers.” Dubbed a demonstration in “apprenticeship learning,” the robots can actually learn by observing rather than having to be programmed, meaning that entire airshows could be reeled off by planes that simply keep an open mind when warm-ups are underway. Of course, they could also be used for more serious applications — mapping out hot spots of California wildfires, finding land mines in war zones, etc. — but even if none of that pans out, we’re cool with inventions being used purely for entertainment.

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Via [Engadget]

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