While Bluetooth headsets have become practically mainstream these days, there’s still a decent amount of users who want both handsfree functionality as well as stereo sound. Sometimes Bluetooth A2DP wireless stereo just doesn’t cut it, and that’s why we’re still seeing new wired headsets developed. iharmonix sent us their Platinum i-Series headphones, with a regular 3.5mm plug ideal for the iPhone 3G and BlackBerry smartphones; SlashGear slapped them in our ears to test them out.
The SlashGear HP Magic Giveaway stopped accepting entries on December 17th, and we’re pleased to announce that we have a winner! The lucky person taking away a huge bundle of HP computers, including a TouchSmart IQ816 desktop PC, HDX 18 notebook and Mini 1000 netbook, is Claire from Berkley, California.
It was great to see Firefox’s success in the browser war. While IE still dominates the market, Firefox has been chipping away IE’s shares. Now come Google Chrome which many have reported it would be hitting gold release soon. According to TechCrunch, the reason why Google is pushing Chrome to final release milestone is to be able to get PC Vendors to bundle the browser in their systems – as many of them would not accept incomplete software.
The Inquirer has published the result of their investigation regarding the new 15-inch MacBook Pro that may inherit faulty NVIDIA graphic chip. This report suggests that the “black screen of death” during gaming usage could be related to the faulty chips in the MacBook Pro.
Intel has completed its preparation for 32nm manufacturing process and it is on track to start production of the new chip in fourth quarter of 2009. With this, Intel’s “Medfield” Atom CPU is expected to be available in 2010. Tom’s reported that Intel will be making two flavor of Medfield; one for mobile Internet devices and the other one for netbooks.
Features on Medfield includes the integration of graphics core and I/O controller hub. It is rumored that the the netbook version will be using better graphics core based on Intel’s own design while the MID version will use PowerVR graphics core.
Nikon has officially responded to the question many have asked about who manufactured its Nikon D3x CMOS sensor. It is indeed manufactured by Sony; however Nikon clarified that they design the CMOS sensor. Here is the official statement from Nikon:
The Nikon D3X’s 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor was developed expressly for the D3X in accordance with Nikon’s stringent engineering requirements and performance standards, with final production executed by Sony. Featuring refined low-noise characteristics, 12 and 14 bit output, Live View capability and more, the D3X’s unique sensor design was carefully blueprinted to perform in perfect concert with proprietary Nikon technologies including EXPEED Image Processing and the Scene Recognition System. Meticulous efforts allowed the sensor to become one of the many essential components and technologies which contribute to the D3X’s superior image fidelity.
Saving money is a financial strategy, but Takara Tomy says it does not have to be that boring. The toys company created a personal finance RPG game called Osaifu Saver that turns finance tracking into a fun activity.
Most laptop batteries will have tear and wear over the time of usage and recharge; HP is offering its customers Sonata batteries, a like-new performance battery from Boston Power that would perform as well as it was brand new even after several hundred charges. The battery is manufactured with a refined version of lithium-ion.
The economy has not gotten any break at all and more companies are cutting down on their overhead to stay above the water. Sony has announced it will be reducing its workforce by 16,000 workers within the next two years and to slow down their investment throttle at the same time. Sony operates 57 manufacturing plants around the world and as part of the cost cutting measure; it will also be suspending roughly ten percent of its plants. This move will save Sony about 100 billion Yen (US$1.1 billion) per year.
The ripple effect caused by US economic state, which resulted in Yen’s higher value against US, and Euro puts many Japanese goods pricing higher than it used to be. Many companies that play in the global market are on the same boat as Sony; that includes major players such as Canon, Samsung, and etc. There aren’t any sign of economy upturn yet and market confidence is not getting any better.
HTC announced HTC Touch 3G and HTC Touch Viva today; a site leaks made HTC to push the announcement one day earlier than planned – Both Touch 3G and Touch Viva sports TouchFLO technology enabling quick navigation and one touch access to messages, contacts, and other information.
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