Gadgets ! What's Next

VTech today announced shipments of the first cordless phone system with instant messaging (IM) using a QWERTY keypad. In addition to its traditional landline capabilities, the VTech IS6110 offers free access to MSN Messenger, Windows Live Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger. The base unit simply needs to be connected via a USB port to the PC. Thanks to its extra-large, high-resolution color LCD and full keypad, the VTech IS6110 enables users to easily read messages and text multiple buddies simultaneously. Additionally, the “click-to-talk” feature enables instant voice (peer-to-peer) chats with friends. Offered on the latest DECT 6.0 platform, the Wi-Fi friendly IS6110 also features the best interference-free sound quality, security and range in cordless phones today.

You can also personalize ring tones by recording directly from PC or stereo equipment (mp3, CD, etc.) or choose from 17 "real" musical ring tones preset into the phone. Available now at vtechphones.com and Best Buy retail stores (USA), the VTech IS6110 provides the ultimate wireless freedom to enjoy this popular form of communication anywhere in the home.

 

Honda will showcase an experimental model of a walking assist device which could support walking for the elderly and other people with weakened leg muscles, at the International Trade Fair on Barrier Free Equipments & Rehabilitation for the Elderly & the Disabled (BARRIER FREE 2008) which will be held at Intex Osaka, Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, 2008. The cooperative control technology utilized for Honda walking assist device is a unique Honda innovation achieved through the cumulative study of human walking just as the research and development of technologies was conducted for Honda’s advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO.

Featuring a dynamic design with 3G social entertainment capabilities, the new Nokia 5320 XpressMusic delivers exceptional music and web 2.0 accesses. With the innovative new voice-controlled Say and Play feature, consumers can merely say the name of a favorite artist or song to automatically play it. Offering an array of additional features, the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic device includes dedicated XpressMusic keys, a 3.5mm audio jack, up to 24 hours of playback time, an audio chip for hi-fi sound quality, extendable memory up to 8GB, HS-USB for fast music transfer and HSDPA for fast access to data.

The full featured Internet browser, access to Ovi and Nokia Search 4.1 allow users to find and share media content and information with ease. In addition, dedicated N-Gage gaming keys and landscape view deliver a true gaming experience, while HSDPA provides fast access to N-Gage, which will be available for download. The Nokia 5320 XpressMusic is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of 220 EUR before taxes and subsidies.

Western Digital is now shipping WD VelociRaptor hard drives, the next generation of 10,000 RPM SATA "Raptor" series of drives. Designed with an enterprise-class foundation, the new WD VelociRaptor hard drive is modified specifically for PC and Mac enthusiasts and professional workstations. Destined to become the new high-performance favorite of these groups, the WD VelociRaptor hard drive comes packed with twice the capacity and a 35 percent performance increase over the previous generation.