While we wait for the first Rovio reviews, WowWee are drubbing up enthusiasm for the WiFi-enabled remote webcam with some new demo videos. Intended to give an overview of the robot and its functionality, the three clips show everything from using Rovio remotely through the web interface, using the webcam on its adjustable arm, and directing it to return to the charging base.
WowWee’s Rovio remote surveillance robot, announced at CES 2008, has finally shown up for pre-order in the US. Previously an exclusive with UK-based retailer Red5, the WiFi-enabled mobile webcam platform is now listed at Hammacher Schlemmer (although, as usual, not by brand name) with a pre-order tag of $299. Ship date is given as September 26th.
Microsoft announced two new webcams today and they’re pretty interesting, to say the least. The LifeCam VX-5500 and the LifeCam Show revive the older models and bring something new to the table.
If you get weak in the knees whenever you see a new Star Wars gadget, then you won’t be able to pass up the Imperial TIE Fighter Advanced X1 Webcam. And though this may be more intended for die hards of that galaxy far, far away, there are a few notable features that are pretty practical.
If the MSI 10-inch Wind and the 14.1-inch P400 are either too small or too big to suit your tastes, the EX310 may be just right for you. The EX310 Notebook has a 13.3-inch screen with 1280×800 resolution and will be available in both red and blue color options.
Someone else decided to take a crack at changing up the PSP a bit. This one was designed by Samuel Lau and although it will likely never be a reality, it is still fun to look at.
As promised, Acer’s Aspire One budget ultraportable is now officially available in the US. The notebook, intended to rival ASUS’ wildly popular Eee PC, uses Intel’s 1.6GHz Atom CPU, an 8GB SSD (or 120GB standard HDD) for storage and runs the Linpus Lite Linux OS (with Windows XP Home as an option). It weighs 2.17 pounds and measures 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.14-inches, and will be available at first in sapphire blue or seashell white before golden brown and diamond black arrive later in the year.
In the months since we last wrote about InGrid’s DIY monitored security system, I’ve neither been burgled nor vigorously fleeced across the cobbles; however home security does remain close to my anxious heart. The company has now updated their range with a number of accessory units ideal for the perpetually paranoid, spanning from live-view IP cameras, through flood detectors and all the way to cellular gateways should felons cut your ADSL.
This past week we’ve been able to take a closer look and get a hands-on with the Toshiba Satellite Pro U400. Having already shown you the unboxing, it was time to see just how usable the U400 was in practice. We had high hopes for portability, and we weren’t disappointed; this small laptop hasn’t been hard to carry around, weighing only 4.6lbs.
Mac-owners, cease your ongoing protests against the cold-shoulder of Logitech. The peripheral company has announced its latest webcam, the Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro webcam for Mac, and while it may resemble just about any other recent model from Logitech’s range, in actual fact it’s the first they’ve made that’s Apple-compatible.
SlashGear Japan
