The company was off the ground in 2006, and by the early part of 2007 it was attracting millions of new users on a monthly basis. In case you never heard of this platform, iLike offered free music streaming and sought to offer recommendations and social sharing opportunities based on listening history. Think of it as a Pandora, Playlist.com, or Spotify. More than $17 million in funding went to iLike.

The problem was even though iLike was generating as much as 1.5 billion pageviews per month, it didn’t have a great revenue model. Therein lies the problem with so many other failed music services that offer so much to users but don’t do enough for themselves. Struggling, iLike was snatched up by Myspace in 2009 for a reported $20 million. But just like Myspace, iLike continued on a downward path. So long and rest in peace.

[via GigaOM]

It’s unclear whether existing owners will be able to buy the new remote control, or if they’ll have to satisfy themselves with the menu option. It will be bundled with Roku’s most recent – and cheapest – STB, the Roku LT, announced last month and offering streaming access to Netflix, Pandora and other services for just $49.

We’re waiting on images of what the new Roku remote will look like, so for the moment we’ll just have to use our imaginations. Updates when the pictures arrive.

Update: Image of the remote has arrived, and as you’d expect it has a big Pandora button on there. However, there’s also a dedicated Netflix button and a dedicated Crackle button too.

Buick is also working to get tech into the cars that younger and more tech savvy drivers demand. One of the tech items that Buick is adding to its cars is Pandora radio. Pandora will be featured in the Verano, Regal, and LaCrosse in 2012 and all 2013 models will have Pandora. The web radio service will be available to drivers using connectivity to their own smartphone.

The Buick cars have a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen inside with high resolution. The driver can connect the smartphone to the screen and car via Bluetooth or USB. Once connected, the driver can access Pandora stations and music using the touchscreen, voice control, or the steering wheel buttons for control the content.

Pandora has announced hat its Halloween themed section is now available to listen to. There are eight different Halloween themed stations to choose from. The selections include Halloween, Halloween Party, Spooky Symphonies, Children’s Halloween, Ghostly Grooves, Witch House, Goth, and Industrial.

Apparently, there is enough music for anything from a kid’s Halloween party to sound effects for your outdoor spooky display for trick-or-treaters. You can listen to the music right if you have an account.

Pandora has implemented a 320hr per month “abuse prevention limit” which, if users exceed, will trigger some sort of contact to make sure “the account is being managed appropriately.” We’re guessing that means finding out whether you’re recording cassette mixtapes and selling them at your nearest street market.

Otherwise, the process of creating custom stations is streamlined thanks to cleverer auto-complete, and once made each station has its own sharable URL. Artist information pages have been boosted too, with lyrics and biography support. It’s not necessarily all good news for users, though: Pandora’s changes have also been made with advertisers in mind, and the company is keen to point out that there’s now more space for bigger ads along with support for full-screen video overlay promotions.

Pandora’s new Comedy Genome Project features sketches spanning 12 genres including Comedy Icons, Today’s Comeday, Political Comedy, and Raw Comedy. The new addition brings 10,000 comedy clips from more than 700 comedians to Pandora’s existing music library. Featured comedians and artists include Chris Rock, Joan Rivers, Richard Prior, George Carlin and many more.

They will use the same type of model used in their Music Genome Project, which will utilize over 100 common traits that target theme, delivery style, logic, and language. It seems to have taken the Pandora team a good amount of effort to transfer what they’ve learned about music analysis to that of comedy. But their efforts should pay off as it seems adding comedy to their library has been one of their top requests by users.

Pandora CEO Tim Westergren explained their decision in a blog post:

Adding comedians to the mix has been one of the top requests from our listeners, so we’ve taken the same approach to comedy as we have to music: carefully and deliberately analyzing comedic “bits” across a very large number of attributes to capture the style, delivery and content of each performance. It’s been a very fun experience, taking what we’ve learned in music and applying it to a whole new category. Now, instead of talking about “minor keys,” “falsetto,” and “extensive vamping,” our comedy-analysts capture “odd juxtaposition” (A horse walks into a bar…), “misdirection” and “spoonerisms” (a well-boiled icicle, instead of a well-oiled bicycle)…

[via PCMag]

It is free to use and works like a personalized radio station, where your preferences determine what types of songs get played and yet you don’t know exactly which songs to expect. If a listener thumbs up a song that’s playing, the next song to play will be something similar, selected via some sort of algorithm based on the aggregated thumb ratings, genres, beats, etc. If a listener were to thumb down a song, it would stop playing and be removed, skipping on to a song that’s dissimilar.

The milestone was reached last week with the 10 billionth thumb being a thumbs up for the song “Ridin’ Solo” by Jason DeRulo. A blog post by founder Tim Westergren reads:

Of the many milestones we’ve hit over the past 6 years, this is perhaps the one that makes us most proud. We created Pandora to bring personalization to radio, to allow each individual to determine the sound of their stations, and to make it as simple and intuitive as possible. There is no greater evidence for us of meeting that objective than the ongoing engagement you have all shown in your use of the thumbs.

Recently, the company has expressed interest in expanding beyond music.

[via ReadWriteWeb]

In fact, the company claims to have been informed that demands for information had been distributed “on an industry-wide basis to the publishers of numerous other smartphone applications.” At the heart of the matter is the device’s unique ID and the user’s current location, which many apps have been found to record and send back to the developer without the owner of the device necessarily knowing that would take place. It’s possible that the investigation may decide to charge developers under the terms of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which protects information stored on electronic devices.

According to the WSJ‘s sources, the federal case – if carried forward – is most likely to be converted into a civil case, with any companies found at fault being fined rather than facing criminal charges.

[via Android Community]

Mitsubishi’s 3D Home Cinema TV series uses an integrated 3D emitter that functions with special battery powered 3D viewing glasses. The pair I was donning was a super durable rubberized set used for high-volume demo purposes. For regular home use there’s a slightly more flattering alternative as well as third-party options. However, the glasses are not included with the purchase of the TV. They come in a bundled kit for $399 that includes two-pairs of glasses and a Blu-Ray Disc of 3D Disney content. You can also purchase single pairs for $149.

The minimum comfortable viewing distance is roughly 9 to 11 feet away for the 92-inch model and likely greater for those prone to motion sickness. I was able to sit about 6 feet away from the 82-inch model without any discomfort and that may have been due to the sharpness of the picture quality. The series employs the same DLP technology used in most 3D cinema screens with a 1080p resolution and 1000x faster pixel response time from a 120Hz sub-frame rate for smooth and crisp fast action scenes.

The image below of the 82-inch model gives you a better idea of just how big are these displays. The 92-inch model—not pictured—measures a whopping 4 feet tall, 6 feet wide, and almost 2 feet deep.

Connectivity features include StreamTV that lets you access the internet for various services including VUDU 3D movie streaming, Pandora, Facebook, and Twitter. The TV is Bluetooth enabled so that music can be streamed from cellphones or other Bluetooth enabled devices. The Mitsubishi TV Control app is available for download from iTunes that converts your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad into a TV remote. Future developments may allow for streaming content from your mobile devices. Other connectors include four HDMI inputs, a USB media player, and a PC/DVI port.

As for sound, the series features Mitsubishi’s Unisen 5.1 Surround Sound that consists of 16 to 18 speakers beamed separately for an immersive audio experience without requiring additional speaker components. And should you wish to add a subwoofer, it can be connected wirelessly. This eliminates the usual mess of speaker cables and wires, and should keep the missus happy.

Mitsubishi’s Director of Product Development, David Naranjo, was kind enough to talk with us and confirmed that pricing would be $6000 for the 92-inch model, which won’t be available until mid-summer. The first video below is a short interview and the second video is a demo of the Unisen 5.1 Surround Sound.

Expand Content Formats. Although music format stations represent 80% of total radio share according to Arbitron, a media and marketing research firm, many radio listeners are drawn to sports, talk, news and other forms of content beyond music. We think there is an opportunity over the long term to offer these types of content in addition to music.

Pandora’s offering also says that such diversification is what gives terrestrial radio an edge over it’s commercial free online service.  But when will we see a Rush Limbaugh or Howard Stern channel?  It’s unclear how a service, which creates a very personal music station for individual users, would be able to mimmick the same business model for talk shows and sports, but if they could pull it off, it could mean a boon to talk radio and sports talk fans who wish to focus listening to their favorite teams or political philosophies.

[via New York Times]

The NGP may have a quad-core, Cortex A9 heart and a larger, higher resolution display, but the difference is that you can buy the Pandora now whereas Sony’s machine isn’t expected until the end of the year. There’s a lot more flexibility in the Pandora too, assuming you’re the sort of person who likes tinkering with open-source software.

Therein, of course, lies the main difference between Pandora and more mainstream consoles from Nintendo and Sony: the target audience. The NGP is more powerful and the 3DS supports 3D, but neither offer the out-of-the-box flexibility of their compact rival.

The MIP plugs into the media interface outlet inside the glove box or console of the vehicle and allows use with multiple smartphone apps while in the car like streaming Pandora radio content to the cars audio system. The MIP will work with Pandora on the iPhone 3G, 3GS, and iPhone 4.

The device allows Bluetooth audio streaming of personal music libraries and for control of those tracks from an iPhone. A special video cable is also offered that lets the iPhone or iPod user stream video content to the cars display when the vehicle is not moving. The steering wheel controls in the car can be used to switch tracks when used with the iPhone or iPod.

The service has unveiled a couple new gifting options with a gift subscription good for a full year of service. The gift subscriptions cost $36 for the entire year and can be given as an email gift or via a gift card.

If an email subscription is used, the gift code can be scheduled for up to a year in advance. The year of service on Pandora includes unlimited listening with no ads and tracks are streamed at 192kbps for better sound. Pandora can play on your desktop via the desktop app and there are customization options. Pandora can also be accessed via some smartphones, web connected TVs and Blu-ray players.

The first batch of mass production units began back in February, and the initial run has all been sold out.  The Pandora hardware is capable of running Quake at 60fps and will be compatible with USB 3G modems for mobile network gaming.  It has a WVGA display and boasts over 10hrs of battery life, all in something a little larger than a Nintendo DS.

Unfortunately, the delivery schedule for the first 1,000 Pandora handhelds has been impacted by the recent flight meltdown, caused by the Iceland volcano.  There’s no known timescale for their arrival.

[via Twitter]

As well as over 17,000 radio stations, 20,000 plus on-demand programs and over 35,000 podcasts, the Allegro can access Pandora for streaming audio.  Connectivity includes WiFi b/g/n, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a stereo speaker jack, and you can control Pandora’s thumbs up/thumbs down rating system directly from the mediaplayer itself.  The company also offers a free iPhone remote control app.

As well as internet radio there’s support for streaming media from your home network, and there’s an alarm clock with snooze functionality too.  Nonetheless, the price is still pretty high: the Grace Digital Audio Allegro has an MRSP of $169.

Press Release:

Grace Digital Audio Delivers Thousands of Stations and Rich Sound Quality with the Allegro Wi-Fi Internet Radio & Streamer

With unique features including a built in recharging circuit, 5 function alarm clock, and a remote with Pandora controls, Allegro is at home on the nightstand or in the backyard

San Diego, Calif. – (April 6, 2010) – Grace Digital Audio, a leading brand of wireless indoor & outdoor audio solutions, is pleased to announce the addition of the Allegro Portable Wireless Radio & Streamer to their line of internet radios. With Pandora recently topping 50 million registered users and millions of internet radio users worldwide, the demand for a high quality, easy-to-use and affordable internet radio is at an all-time high. Available now at GraceDigitalAudio.com, Allegro provides a superior sound quality with easy access to thousands of radio stations, on-demand programs, and podcasts around the world.

Utilizing a Class D 8 watt digital amplifier, Allegro produces a sound quality that delivers a superior audio experience indoors and out. Grace Digital Audio’s unique triple power option includes a built in battery recharging circuit, allowing users to power Allegro with an AC adapter, 6 regular AA or rechargeable batteries. Allegro can recharge batteries while still in the unit, eliminating the hassle of moving batteries to a separate charger. Other internet radios use regular batteries or strictly an AC adapter, which can become costly and greatly limits portability.

Allegro provides access to over 17,000 radio stations, 20,000 plus on-demand programs, and over 35,000 podcasts. Compatible with Pandora Radio, Sirius, MP3tunes, Live365.com, Aupeo!, and blogtalkradio, Allegro is connected to radio programs all over the world. Using the Allegro’s full function remote or the easy access top panel controls, navigating the radio world is easy. The 4 line backlight display allows you to conveniently browse all the music options by region, country, station, or choose from over 50 musical genres. Users can also stream their personal music collection straight to Allegro wirelessly from a PC or Mac. Equipped with a 5 function alarm clock and a conveniently large snooze button, Allegro functions just as well on the nightstand as it does in the backyard.

Allegro Wi-Fi Radio features include:

• Access to over 17,000 radio stations, 20,000 on-demand programs, and over 35,000 podcasts
• Equipped with it’s own battery recharging circuit, the Allegro’s triple power option allows use of AC adapter, 6 AA regular or rechargeable batteries
• Class D digital amplifier and rear ported full range speaker provides superior audio quality
• 10 station presets, up to 100 saved favorites, displays song/artist info, alarm clock radio, and remote control with Pandora controls
• Wirelessly stream music and stored audio files from your PC or Mac
Now shipping, Allegro is available for $169.00 at www.GraceDigitalAudio.com and various retailers throughout the U.S.

Grace Digital Audio’s Chief Marketing Officer, Greg Fadul, believes sound quality and innovative power options set Allegro apart from its competitors. “Allegro’s Class D amplifier delivers a sound experience you’re just not going to find in comparable internet radios and our built in recharging circuit makes it affordable and convenient to run the radio without the restrictions of a cord. For only $169.00 you can’t beat Allegro’s listening options, portability, and sound quality.”

From the sound of things, that means a 1,000 run with an option on increasing that to 4,000.  Apparently the first batch of preorders are all sold – more details on how to order here – but there’s a second batch in the offing too.  Of course, there’ll also be some delay as the cases are produced, shipped to the US and then re-shipped to buyers, but considering there were various rumors about the project never making it to this point, it’s an achievement.

As for the gaming hardware itself, it’s capable of running Quake at 60fps and will be compatible with USB 3G modems for mobile network gaming.  It has a WVGA display and boasts over 10hrs of battery life, all in something a little larger than a Nintendo DS.

[via CrunchGear]

“VUDU Apps provides customers with access to a wide range of Internet services and applications including streaming vieo, music on demand, photo browsing, social networking and more. The platform uses a unique, cloud-based architecture optimized for consumer electronics devices. VUDU Apps supports the development of responsive apps designed specifically for use on HDTVs without the need for downloading or installing software, ensuring consumers always have access to the most current version of an application. Devices featuring VUDU Apps will begin shipping to consumers in the first quarter of this year.”

Applications available on VUDU Apps run the gamut of popular websites from video to photo to music to news to social networking as well as include other Internet services, such as the VUDU Streaming Movie Service. More than 100 applications are available on VUDU Apps, providing access to popular services like Pandora, Picasa, Flickr, Dailymotion and leading news providers, such as The New York Times and The Associated Press.

The full list of services includes:
• VUDU Streaming Movie Service
• Pandora
• Flickr
• Picasa
• Facebook
• Twitter
• AP
• New York Times
• Dailymotion
• Stock Quotes
• Weather
• NBC Nightly News
• Meet the Press
• Today
• Countdown
• Rachel Maddow
• Morning Joe
• Zeitgeist
• Good Morning America
• Face the Nation
• White House Weekly Address
• Fast Draw
• Katie Couric’s Notebook
• Anderson Cooper 360 Daily
• CNN Daily
• Bill Moyers Journal
• In Case You Missed It
• Now in the News
• CNN Student News
• Journal Editorial Report
• FOX News Flash
• Washington Post | Photo Stories
• Washington Post | HD Podcast
• Slate V
• Around the Horn
• Mike & Mike Moment
• The Basketball Jones
• MLS
• The Dish
• Racing One
• TGRtv Extreme HD
• Discovery Channel
• NOVA
• Nature
• NASA Jet Propulsion Lab
• Hidden Universe HD
• Ted Talks
• Walt Mossberg
• Andy Jordan’s Tech Diary
• USA Today – Talking Tech
• Hak5
• Pixel Perfect
• Systm
• Fresh Trax
• Philharmonia Orchestra
• XLR8R
• Best of VH1
• The Frustrated Rockstars
• UVTV
• Popcorn
• The Digg Reel
• The Screening Room
• Scene Stealers
• Indie Film Nation
• National Lampoon
• New Yorker Animated Cartoons
• iFanboy
• Scam School
• Sesame Street
• Stump the Chef (HD)
• Good Housekeeping: Whats for Dinner
• Delicious TV Veg
• City by City (HD)
• DiveFilm HD
• The Parent Code (HD)
• Rocketboom
• Diggnation HD
• Totally Rad Show
• Tekzilla
• Best of Revision3
• Sessler’s Soapbox Video Podcast
• Attack of the Show
• X-Play’s Daily Video Podcast
• X-Play Game Previews
• G4 Videogame Trailers
• Fresh Ink
• The Feed Daily Video Podcast
• Gadget Pr0n
• Around the Net
• Cheat! Video Podcast
• The MMO Report
• Teton Gravity Research
• Golf Tips
• From the Top at Carnegie Hall
• Stand Up
• IRrelevant Astronomy
• London Landscape TV
• Backpack Picnic
• Big Love
• Bored To Death
• Curb Your Enthusiasm
• Entourage
• Flight of the Conchords
• Hung
• True Blood
• New York on the Clock
• ABC News with Diane Sawyer
• Amanpour
• Cnet News
• Monocle
• Princeton University
• Californication
• Dexter
• Beautiful places in HD
• City Concealed

Meanwhile the longer-term goal is to integrate Pandora into an in-car entertainment system, with a subscription for the streaming service included in the purchase price of the vehicle itself.  Conrad wouldn’t be drawn on the timeline for such integration – which he described as challenging existing satellite and terrestrial radio offerings – but did indicate that there will be announcements relating to the system at CES this coming January.

Meanwhile Android owners on both sides of the pond have a new native Facebook app to play with, offering access to comments, statuses, news and wall posts.  While not yet being given the Facebook “official” stamp of approval, word is that the developer is in the Facebook employer network, so this looks to be as official as things get for the moment.

The Pandora app, like Spotify, supports background playback, so you can continue to use your Android phone while listening to music.  However unlike Spotify it isn’t intended to offer tracks-on-demand; instead it creates a playlist of tracks similar to an initial artist seed you input.  There’s also no monthly subscription fee: Pandora is free to download and use.

Meanwhile Facebook for Android is also free, though early feedback isn’t quite as glowing.  There’s no messaging or chat support, and photo viewing shunts you into the browser to the mobile version of Facebook’s site.  However, it does offer access to Facebook phonebooks, courtesy of a live folder on the homescreen.

[via Android Community]

The sets have built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, as well as an ethernet port in the Diamond Unisen models, LT-46249 and LT-52249, which allow for direct connections to the internet. There’s also available, the optional VUDU wireless accessory bridge, which allows for customers to hook their TVs up via wireless network, and download to their hearts content.

“We are always looking to elevate the large screen experience for consumers, and the Mitsubishi VUDU-integrated TVs will combine unprecedented HD program choice with unparalleled picture performance,” said Frank DeMartin, vice president of marketing, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America. “Owners of Diamond Unisen Immersive Sound TVs will now have convenient access to high quality entertainment content.”

There are over 2,200 HD titles and 16,000 titles available in the movie library currently. Plus, later this month, the VUDU series on Diamond Unisen Immersive Sound TVs will offer popular internet services like YouTube, Flickr, Picasa, and Pandora. There will also be an “OnDemand” TV area, with over 80 channels to choose from for your viewing pleasure. For a limited time, owners of Mitsubishi’s VUDU integrated Diamond Unisen TVs will receive two months worth of free movie rentals or purchases (up to $50.00)*, including SD, HD, and HDX movies, allowing them to experience the extraordinary 1080p image quality and immersive Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound of the VUDU Service running on Mitsubishi Diamond Unisen TVs.

The Diamond Unisen Features combine ultra compact design, immersive sound technology and advanced video performance to deliver a complete sensory experience without the hassle of complex setup. Each model features an UltraThin Frame™ design delivering a frame measuring less than one inch, fully integrated 18-speaker Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound system featuring Dual Driver Extended Range Sound, and Variable Smooth 240 Film Motion for viewing of fast and slow moving programs. Diamond Unisen TVs feature wide color gamut backlight technology to reproduce approximately 25 percent more color than most LCD-TVs and both 249 Series models are EnergyStar™ 3.0 qualified.

MDEA has commenced shipping Diamond Unisen models to authorized retailers in the United States. MSRP for the Diamond Unisen products will be $2,599 for the 46” model, LT-46249 and $3,099 for the 52” model, LT-52249.

Now, this isn’t a production model but a CNC custom case and the guy who put it together admits that he “messed up” getting the keyboard level, but it’s great to see the Pandora another step closer to production readiness.  As you might expect from a largely collaborative design, the feedback is still rolling in and being taken on board; latest to prompt suggestions is the raised Pandora logo on the outside of the lid, which some believe is too prominent.

Craigix, whose unit it is, is promising a video of the Pandora, so we’ll be able to get a better look at the new design in the plastic rather than merely in renders.  No word on final release dates; it’s getting perilously close to the end of 1H09, which makes us doubt Pandora will meet the last predicted release window.

[via Gadgetoid - thanks Martin!]

Palm Pre video after the cut

While a movie app seems quite a straightforward prospect, Palm have gone a few steps further and integrated Fandango with webOS.  You can obviously search for movies, check times at a local theater and then buy tickets, all on the Pre, but when you do it automatically adds an appointment entry for that movie into the smartphone’s calendar, and helps you to invite other people via email.

As for Pandora, meanwhile, there’s little change in the streaming music app’s functionality, but the Pre’s multi-tasking abilities come to the fore here.  You can leave the Pandora “card” running in the background and go internet browsing, calendar searching and anything else, all with the music still playing.  That’s something that’ll leave iPhone owners particularly jealous.

Remember, for all the hottest news about the Palm Pre – and more video demos and photos from CTIA 2009 than you can shake the proverbial stick at – check out My Pre!

Video demo after the cut

The final production version of the Pandora will be black; this white casing is apparently to make spotting stress-points easier, and sadly won’t be offered to buyers.  They’re promising video evidence of the handheld running Quake 3 soon, which is unlikely to match the 60fps and dynamic lighting at 800 x 480 resolution of the first installment of the title, but which by simply running at all is darned impressive.

Last month the Pandora design-team revealed that the console would be compatible with certain 3G USB modems, meaning an available WiFi network wouldn’t be necessary for online gaming.  Still no precise on-sale date, but we’re hopefully close.

Building the Pandora case:

[via jkkmobile]

We’ve seen similar RIA platform services from YouTube, Flickr, Picasa, and many web-based video channels from VUDU, the Pandora is the first Music service made available for Vudu’s set-top.

In additional to the new service, the Pandora on Vudu supports multiple account channel’s customization and music browsing via its remote control. Again, the add-on is free and already out there. Go get ‘em!

The power and volume controls are two of the more noticeable physical changes, with them now spread out at either end of the handheld.  That’s probably a good idea, as accidentally powering off your Pandora while in the midst of gaming is never going to leave you happy.  Meanwhile on the back there’s the Mini USB, EXT Port (where TV Out, etc. will be connected), USB 2.0 and DC in.

Last we saw of the Pandora project, the first pre-production units were being released.  Although the hardware and software aren’t final, they do work; there’s no official launch date as yet, but things are looking like they’ll work themselves out for availability in the first half of 2009.

[via technabob]

Check out the Pandora video after the cut

The Pandora design was a group-effort, and is based on an ARM® Cortex-A8 600Mhz+ CPU, 430-MHz TMS320C64x+ DSP Core, PowerVR SGX OpenGL 2.0 ES compliant 3D hardware and Linux OS. It has an 800 x 480 4.3-inch touchscreen, WiFi b/g, Bluetooth, USB Host functionality and dual SDHC slots. Controls include dual analogue and digital sticks, a 43 button QWERTY keyboard and a numeric keypad. Battery life is estimated at 10+ hours, and there’s an S-Video TV output.

It’s still early days for the project – only 3,000 Pandora handhelds were made in the original batch, and they’re all sold out – but it’s good to see that it hasn’t died off.  Final production and delivery is estimated to start later this quarter. 

[via GenerationMP3]

Pandora can be set as the alarm clock sound, so you can be woken with a track in the style of your choosing.  All of the usual online Pandora controls are apparently there, including the ability to mark currently playing songs as liked or not liked (which affects what music is picked for you next), bookmark them for later research, and a QuickMix function if you don’t want to get too involved. 

Chumby is priced at $179.95 and available in three different colors.  It relies on a WiFi network for connectivity.  Currently the Pandora widget is yet to show up in the download section, but presumably existing owners will be able to update their Chumby with it soon. Update: Pandora shows up as a music source, not a widget; simply restart your Chumby and it will update with the new Pandora source.  You can find it in the Music menu.

[via Electronista]

If you like to utilize open-source software and equipment, the Pandora gaming handheld is the obvious choice for you. A new pre-order page has gone up for the device and you can actually order it right now!

But you’ll need to be fast since only 3,000 units will be available for this go around. Pretty cool stuff, folks. Open-source gaming might just make a break through this Pandora. However, it will cost you $329 to get in on this first-time offer. Whether or not it’s worth it remains to be seen, but from the looks of it, Pandora is equipped to be rather impressive.

[via Engadget]