Samsung Electronics First to Begin Mass Producing 3D TV Panels

The 3D experience is one step closer to "invading" your personal home space. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd announced that it has become the first company to commence mass production of panels for 3D LED TVs and 3D LCD TVs.

“Samsung Electronics aims to lead the global 3D TV panel market in pioneering panel mass production for 3D LED and LCD TVs” said Wonkie Chang, president of the LCD Business at Samsung Electronics.

The company began producing LED and LCD compatible panels for 40-inch, 46-inch and 55-inch full-HD 3D TVs using ‘3D Active Glasses’ this month, employing Samsung’s exclusive true 240Hz technology. Samsung’s true 240Hz technology delivers full-HD viewing in 2D, and also smooth, natural, full-HD 3D images that can vividly capture rapid movements. Operating at 240 frames per second, Samsung’s panels deliver a more lifelike picture with alternating left and right eye images through the use of 3D Active Glasses technology.

Samsung’s new 3D Active Glasses technology first blocks the left and then right lens, causing a momentary lag when images are shown to each eye to achieve more lifelike 3D images. The term, 3D Active Glasses, was selected as an official term by the Glasses Standardization Working Group of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) earlier this year. The polarized glass method previously used in 3D glasses produced separate images for the left and right eyes, resulting in half the resolution of two-dimensional pictures as only half of the screen can be viewed through each polarized filter. Brightness was also lowered because of the polarized filter.

According to DisplaySearch, a market research firm, the 3D display market is expected to grow from $902 million in 2008 to $22 billion in 2018. Specifically, the 3D TV market is expected to expand to a $17-billion market, with sales increasing from 200,000 units in 2009 to 64 million units 2018. But who knows, that could be a lot more a lot faster. I know I'm dying to get one of those.

Motorola confirms they are working with Google on a new phone

You've probably seen it or heard about it. You've probably even hopped to have one. You've maybe prayed the rumors were true. Well people, it seems they were. Motorola confirmed that they are working with Google on a new phone to be sold directly to consumers.

No one knows yet it the phone is question is the one that the concept pictures showed, but it is certain that the new phone will have the Android operating system and since Motorola and Google are working together on this one, the nickname of Nexus Two that has been given to the not yet released handset (also known as Motorola Shadow), is very appropriate. This phone might even be a crossover between a Nexus and the very popular Motorola Droid.

We'll just have to wait and see what will they finally come out with and until then we might even try to soften or completely obliterate the Apple iPad hype that's been going around lately. Although I doubt that's even possible.

You can read more about the new Motorola Shadow (or Nexus Two) smartphone on electronista.com or on gizmodo.com.

The Apple iPad tablet is everywhere. Yet another hype?

A few years ago the iPhone pretty much got the same kind of attention the new iPad tablet from Apple is getting these days. And the way the iPhone started a sensitive touchscreen trend, it highly possible that we are witnessing the start of a new one: the tablet frenzy. Even though tablets have been around for a very long time, and some designs are really great, it seams that people needed Apple to give the OK for everyone to say: "Yes man, tablets are great! Everyone should have one!". This is stupid.

Anyway, if you need more info related to the new Apple iPad tablet, and not all of the opinions will be positive (some will even be realistic), check out the links below:

• Hands-On With the Apple iPad - videos
• NotebookReview - pictures and details
• PCWorld.com - not a good opinion
• This one looks a lot better

And that all it's worth mentioning about it. We'll just have to wait and see how many people will encounter problems with this tablet and how well will it rate against other tablets, like the HP Pavilion tx2500z or the Lenovo ThinkPad X200 tablet. But who cares, as long as it's from Apple, right?

LE: a lot more details related to the Apple iPad can be found in this article. CNET's Ina Fried and Josh Lowensohn address various aspects of the design and the overall uses of this gadget and certain things that it lacks or will be added latter on.

Apple's new 27" big screen iMac

Apple Insider posted today a great review regarding the new Apple 27" big screen iMac. The full review can be found here.

Some of the key features for the new model is the fact that iMac comes standard with a wireless keyboard and the new Magic Mouse. Of course there are a lot more, like the fact that the 27" display is equipped with LED backlighting, to push more light through the pixels to achieve the best picture possible. The new 21.5" iMac features 1920-by-1080 HD resolution and the 27" model has a 2560-by-1440 resolution. That’s 78 percent more pixels than the 21.5-inch iMac.

A seamless, precision-forged enclosure makes the back one continuous aluminum surface. And there’s only one cord: the power cord. The wider iMac display allows more room to separate the two hottest components, the CPU and the GPU. This keeps things cool inside the iMac enclosure. Apple engineers also implemented an intelligent control system that monitors temperatures and delivers just the right amount of airflow to critical components.

Be sure to read the full review on Apple Insider. You can also check this beautiful piece of hardware at it's official page on the Apple website.

Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-Shot mobile phone

The Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-shot™ mobile phone is primarily made for taking memorable pictures – just slide down the protective lens cover and shoot! The slim slider has dedicated camera keys and an impressive five megapixel camera to create big pictures with rich details and true colors.

Packed full of features the Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-shot™ will give you the best picture possible with Face Detection, finding up to three people in the frame at a time and Smile Shutter™ which automatically picks out beaming smiles. Snap up to nine images in quick succession using BestPic™, pick your best and delete the rest.

“The C903 Cyber-shot™ adds a creative and stylish mobile phone to our mid-range segment.” said Daniel Sandblom Global Business Marketing Manager at Sony Ericsson. “The C903 Cyber-shot™ furthers Sony Ericsson’s digital camera heritage and makes capturing special images even more memorable.”

Show off your images with the crystal clear, auto rotating 2.4” display, send them to your blog or connect to your TV screen using the TV-out function and get up close and personal.

The C903 Cyber-shot™ phone also comes complete with aGPS – never lose track of where you took an image or where you are – simply tag your photos to a location or use the feature to find your way home or to the pub.

Some of the key features that this Sony Ericsson phone displays include:

• Snap really clear, big pictures with auto focus and the five megapixel camera
• Turn your subjects into stars with Smile Shutter™ and face detection
• View images on the big screen using TV-Out cable
• Tag a place-name to your memories or stay on track with aGPS

The C903 Cyber-shot™ supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 900/2100. C903 Cyber-shot™ will be available in selected markets from Q2 in the colours Lacquer Black, Techno White and Glamour Red.

The full specifications of the Sony Ericsson C903 mobile phone are listed below:

• Camera
  
  • 5.0 megapixel camera
  • Up to 16x digital zoom
  • Photo fix
  • Picture blogging
  • Video blogging
  • Auto focus
  • Smile Shutter™
  • Face detection
  • BestPic™
  • Photo flash
  • Video recording
  • Image and Video stabilizer
  • Snapfish™
• Music
  
  • Media player
  • Album art
  • PlayNow™
  • TrackID™
  • Mega Bass™
  • Album art
  • Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
  • Music tones (MP3/AAC)
• Web
  
  • Access NetFront™ Web browser
  • Web feeds
  • Photo feeds
  • Picasa™
• Communication
  
  • Speakerphone
  • Polyphonic ringtones
  • Vibrating alert
  • Video call
• Messaging
  
  • Email
  • Picture messaging (MMS)
  • Predictive text input
  • Sound recorder
  • Text messaging (SMS)
  • Exchange ActiveSync
  • Chat View (TBC)
  • Instant messaging
• Design
  
  • Picture wallpaper
  • Wallpaper animation
  • Auto rotate
• Entertainment
  
  • 3D games
  • Motion gaming
  • Java
  • FM radio with RDS
  • Video streaming
  • Video viewing
  • Media
  • YouTube™
  • Walk Mate
  • Tracker
  • TV-out
• Connectivity
  
  • Bluetooth™ technology
  • Modem
  • USB mass storage
  • USB support
  • Synchronization
  • PictBridge
• Organizer
  
  • Alarm clock
  • Calculator
  • Calendar
  • Flight mode
  • Notes
  • Phone book
  • Stopwatch
  • Tasks
  • Timer
• Location-based services
  
  • Geo tagging of photos
  • Google Maps™
  • aGPS
  • Wayfinder Navigator™ (3-month trial version)
• Accessories
  
  • In-Box: C903, Battery, Battery Charger, Stereo portable handsfree, User guide (e-manual on the phone
• Facts and Figures
  
  • Size: 97 x 49 x 16 mm
  • Weight: 96 grams
  • Colours: Laquer Black, Techno White, Glamour Red
  • Main screen: 262,144 colour TFT, scratch-resistant
  • Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels
  • Size: 2.4 inches
  • Phone memory: Up to 105MB
  • Memory card support: Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™)
  • Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 10 hrs
  • Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 400 hrs
• Networks
  
  • C903: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS/HSPA 900/2100
  • C903a: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS/HSPA 850/1900/2100

The official product page for the Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-Shot mobile phone can be found here.

LG Chocolate BL40 revealed

LG Electronics officially revealed today in a press release the full image and key specifications of the new LG Chocolate phone, model LG-BL40.

The fourth handset of the Black Label Series has a distinctive 4.0-inch wide screen high-definition LCD with an 800x345 pixel resolution for a superb viewing quality. The wide screen breaks away from conventional screen designs with a 21:9 aspect ratio for a panoramic, cinema-like quality and optimal mobile computing experience. With the enlarged screen, users will experience a surprisingly convenient and efficient mobile environment.

Browsing the Internet with 800 pixels wide at one’s disposal is quite easy, there is no need to scroll horizontally to read entire web pages. The 4.0-inch display also features a Dual Screen UI that can efficiently display two different types of content simultaneously. The wide HD LCD “Real VGA” screen provides a full range of natural colors for displayed images, making photos more crisp, videos more true-to-life, games more dynamic and documents more readable.

“The initial response to the new LG Chocolate phone has exceeded our expectations by a wide margin,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications. “Although much interest seems focused on the striking shape of the handset, the real surprise will be when people discover the advantages of the 4.0-inch screen in terms of viewing pleasure and ease of use.”

The new LG Chocolate’s wide screen is overlaid with curved tempered glass and is seamlessly encased in a glossy black finish and iconic red highlights. Although the screen may be much wider, the new LG Chocolate makes an incredibly slim and chic style statement that was also inherent in the original Chocolate.

Aside from the great large 4" screen that is very emphasized in the official press release, some of the other features that the new LC Chocolate BL40 include the 5.0 Megapixel camera, Flash-based 3D interface, multitouch, AGPS, WiFi, 7.2Mbps HSDPA and the tempered glass screen surface is apparently scratch-proof. Even so, the thin dimensions of the handset make it impossible to believe that all those things could possibly fit in there.

The new LG Chocolate will be available beginning Q3 in 54 countries. More information is available at www.lgmobile.com.

BlackBerry Curve 8520 for UK

Research In Motion has announced that the BlackBerry Curve 8520 phone will be coming to the UK in August. The operator / operators that will carry the device are unconfirmed as is the price.

The new Curve 8520 comes in two colours, black and frost and enables easy access to email, messaging and social networking sites. The phone has a full-QWERTY keyboard and comprehensive multimedia capabilities (music, game and other apps).

"More and more cell phone users are choosing to upgrade to a smartphone and the new BlackBerry Curve 8520 will undoubtedly convince many more people to make the switch. It delivers all the great messaging, social networking and multimedia features that have made BlackBerry the top-selling smartphone brand in the United States," said Carlo Chiarello, vice president, product management, Research In Motion.

Key features of the BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone include:

• Full-QWERTY keyboard and touch-sensitive optical trackpad for reliable, responsive typing and navigation
• 256MB Flash memory and a 512Mhz next generation processor for enhanced performance
• Premium phone features including voice activated dialing, and Bluetooth (2.0) support for hands-free use with headsets, car kits, stereo headsets and other Bluetooth peripherals
• 2 MP digital camera with zoom and video recording
• Advanced media player for music, pictures and videos, with dedicated media keys and a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, plus BlackBerry Media Sync, which makes it easy to quickly sync music from iTunes or Windows Media Player with the smartphone
• Access to BlackBerry App World, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones. Categories include games, entertainment, social networking and sharing, news and weather, productivity and much more
• BlackBerry Internet Service support for access to up to 10 supported email accounts, including most popular ISP email accounts such as Yahoo!, Windows Live Hotmail, AOL and Gmail; and BlackBerry Enterprise Server support, which provides advanced security and IT administration features for corporate deployments
• Expandable memory via hot swappable microSD/SDHC memory card slot, supporting cards of up to 16 GB today and expected to support next generation 32GB cards when available; a 1GB card is included
• Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) with support for T-Mobile Unlimited Hotspot Calling service
• Quad-band world phone: EGDE/GPRS/GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)

For more information related to the yet not released BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone, you can visit the official website at this address.

Samsung Propel SGH-a767

The SAMSUNG Propel SGH-a767 is the slider that makes communication easy. Just slide open up this stylish phone and slide open the possibilities, from texting to email to Instant Messaging – all simplified thanks to a full QWERTY keyboard. The Propel is also packed with fun features like high-speed multimedia access, full Web browsing, AT&T Mobile Music, AT&T Navigator and much more. So slide open the SAMSUNG Propel and get the word out like never before.

The Propel has a slide-out, full QWERTY keyboard that lets you get the word out faster and easier. It gives you all the messaging options you want – email, text messaging, Instant Messaging and picture messaging. With AT&T Mobile Music and the Propel, you can play and download all your favorite tunes and ringtones. And thanks to the built-in microSD memory slot, your play list can go on and on. With AT&T Navigator, the SAMSUNG Propel gives you GPS-enabled turn-by-turn directions, maps, traffic updates and more. Even if you’re hundreds of miles apart, Video Share and your new SAMSUNG Propel make it all possible. Any two Propels (or other Video Share-compatible phones) can share real-time, one-way video of almost anything – all while talking on the phone. It’s nice to share.

Here are a few of the specifications taken from the official page:

• Weight: 3.79 ounces
• Dimension (HxWxD): 3.85" x 2.33" x .58"
• Display: 65k Color TFT Screen (220 x 176)
• Features: Video recording, Video messaging, Music Player, 72 Polyphonic Ringtones, MP3 Ringtone, JAVA™ Download, Voice memo & Voice mail, SMS / EMS / MMS, Email
• User Memory: 50MB Shared
• Phone book entries: Up to 1000 phonebook entries
• Personal Information Management: Calendar, To do list, Worldtime, Alarm, Currency converter, Calculator
• Speakerphone, Dialed/missed/received calls

More information can be found on the official Samsung Propel SGH-a767 page located at samsung.com.

The new VAIO® P Series Lifestyle PC

The world’s lightest 8" notebook, the 1.4-pound VAIO® P Series Lifestyle PC does more than you could imagine–with impeccable style. Email at the airport, IM from the park, or just show it off when you want some attention. Traveling to a new city? Turn-by-turn GPS navigation will get you there faster. Best of all, it fits right in your purse or jacket pocket.

Keep moving and stop waiting. The instant-on, ultra-bright 8-inch LED-backlit screen of the Lifestyle PC means you never have to wait for it to warm up. Plus, its extra-wide 1600 x 768 resolution easily displays the width of an entire page, putting an end to side-to-side scrolling that can slow you down.

Looking for a place to eat? Type the word "restaurant" and let the Lifestyle PC be your guide. Using built-in GPS technology and featuring Microsoft® Streets & Trips software, your current location is found and real-time, on-screen directions lead the way. And you don’t even need an internet connection. Just step outside and type in where you want to go. You’ll get turn-by-turn directions displayed right on the map. It’s that simple.

Connect and go. Featuring built-in wireless access, the Lifestyle PC puts the internet in your pocket. And this is no stripped down version of the web, either. Everything is there, displayed just like it is on your home PC. Video chat with your friends, download music or do some online shopping—from virtually anywhere. The Lifestyle PC lets you browse the web in more places with Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In.

Here are a few specifications of the Vaio P Series Lifestyle PC:

• Intel® (1.86GHz) processor
• Up to 256GB Solid State Drive available
• 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
• Estimated Battery Life: Up to 4 hours (standard capacity battery)
• Up to 8 hours (large capacity battery)
• Power Requirements: 68W + 10%
• Memory Stick PRO™(Standard/Duo) media slot with MagicGate® functionality
• SD memory card slot
• Wireless LAN: Atheros 802.11 b/g/n
• Integrated Stereo A2DP Bluetooth® technology
• Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In
• QWERTY keyboard, 82 keys with 1.2mm stroke and 16.5mm pitch
• Built-in MOTION EYE® camera and microphone
• Pointing Stick
• 8.0" Screen
• 1600 x 768 Resolution
• LED backlight
• XBRITE-ECO Technology
• Intel® High Definition Audio Sound System

More information about the new VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC can be found on the official SonyStyle.com website here.

Samsung TL100 - 12MP digital camera

Back again, with yet another product from Samsung, the TL100 digital camera, there haven't been too many around here on Tresh IT News. In fact, I believe this is the very best.

One of the most characteristics of this digital camera is of course the 12 MP (mega pixel). If you ask me, that's a little too much for a hobby camera and judging from the looks of it, it's more like a tourist's accessory. It's great if you want to take some pictures of you and the family on the holidays, but a 6 MP or 8 MP camera should work just fine for that. In my opinion, cameras above 8 MP should only be seen as professional, with all the options they should have. Let's face it, this doesn't have nearly as many options a professional photographer or even a quasi-professional photographer would want. But let's see what else it offers.

Specifications

• Image sensor Type: 1/2.33″ CCD
• Effective Pixel: approx. 12.2 megapixel
• Total Pixel: approx. 12.4 megapixel
• Focusing Type: TTL auto focus (Multi AF, center AF, Face Detection AF, Tracking AF)
• Shutter Speed: auto: 1 ~ 1/1,500 s; manual: 8 ~ 1/1,500 s; AEB, continuous: 1/4 ~ 1/1,500 s
• Exposure Compensation: ±2EV (1/3EV steps)
• ISO Equivalent: auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 (at 3 M size)
• Flash Recharging Time: approx. 4 s
• Flash Modes: auto, auto & red-eye reduction, fill-in flash, slow sync, flash off, red eye fix
• Storage Media: internal memory: about 40 MB; external memory (optional): MMC plus (up to 2 GB guaranteed 4 bit 20 MHz); SD (up to 4 GB guaranteed); SDHC (up to 8 GB guaranteed)
• File Format: still image: JPEG (DCF), EXIF 2.21, DPOF 1.1, PictBridge 1.0; movie clip: AVI (MPEG-4); audio: WAV
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 3.7" x 2.19" x .65"
• Weight: 0.27 lbs.

Another down side to this camera is the small 3x optical zoom. The digital zoom just doesn't do it unless you hold the camera perfectly still, even with the DIS (Digital Image Stabilization). And that's a little troublesome. But anyway, it's small, compact, great for holidays and it also comes in red. Full specifications can be found here.

BD-P1600 - blu-ray disc player

Back after a loooong absence, here to bring a few things found on the web. Maybe this time I'll manage to keep things going, even if I've started a few projects in the meantime, that had the same faith.

But getting back to our little things, about the BD-P1600 blu-ray disc player. This is one of Samsungs' new models, a sleek and nice one if I may say so. Here are a few of the specifications of this blu-ray player:

• Playback Media: BD / DVD / CD
• Playback Formats: VC-1, MPEG2, H.264
• Netflix-Ready: Instantly stream from a selection of over 12,000 (and growing) movies and TV shows. The number of titles you can stream per month depends on which Netflix subscription plan you choose.
• Video A/V Quality: DVD Upconversion (up to 1080p)
• A/V Quality: Dolby Dital Decoder, DTS Decoder, Dolby Digital Plus Decoder, DTS HD Decoder, Dolby True HD Decoder
• Functional Features: BD Profile 2.0, Secondary audio support
• Connectivity: HDMI CEC, Composite Video Outputs, Component Video Outputs, S-Video Outputs, HDMI Outputs Version 1.3, Optical Digital Audio Outputs,
  Analog Audio Outputs 2ch, WiFi Ethernet
• Functional Features: PiP
• Dimension : 17” x 2.13” x 7.83”
  
• Weight: 4.85 lbs.

The full specs can be found on the Samsung website of course, at the products page, here.

A few things worth mentioning about this blu-ray player are:

• the full high definition 1080p resolution,
• the built-in wireless Ethernet connection - "BD profile 2.0 interactivity lets you download the latest firmware upgrades and more with just a click of a button. Making firmware upgrades simple and easy, you can continually upgrade the BD-P1600 with the latest features"
• Netflix instant streaming ready - "Are you a Netflix member? You no longer have to wait by the mailbox to satisfy your flix fix. Instantly stream from a selection of over 12,000 (and growing) movies and TV shows. The number of titles you can stream per month depends on which Netflix subscription plan you choose."
• BD-Live 2.0 Ready - "Get ready for the ultimate interactive film experience. The SAMSUNG BD-P1600 has lets you take full advantage of interactive features like downloadable video content, ringtones, games and more. Download additional content from the internet or even chat with friends when watching the same movie. Requires additional memory and an internet connection"

Again, for more information regarding the Samsung BD-P1600 blu-ray disc player, there should also be a trademark symbol somewhere in there, visit the product's page above.

Secret Unveiled: LG Launches the Third Black Label Series Handset LG Secret

Read the original press release here

LG Electronics, a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, launched the third LG Black Label Series handset LG Secret (Model: LG-KF750) worldwide on April 24th, 2008 in London, U.K.

Following the success of its predecessors, LG Chocolate and LG Shine, the third model from the LG Black Label Series resonates a highly stylish design and enriched technological features including the slimmest 5 megapixel camera and innovative materials. The phone was developed to satisfy the refined tastes of trendsetters who desire a sophisticated design with an enduring elegance.

"The huge success of the previous models of the Black Label Series validated our approach to provide the ultimate mobile experience for today’s discerning consumers, who seek to embody personal style with their handsets," says Skott Ahn, President & CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "These are the enriched features that will diversify the way users interact with their handsets but most of all, the LG Secret was designed to be a style that lasts."

From the top we can see a predominant keyword in the LG press release: timeless. And in my opinion, in this high-speed modern age of ours, it's one of the most necessary things to keep us all on track. Of course, saying that, LG defines the terms on which this word applies:

• Timeless style - LG Secret will always look new thanks to the materials incorporated into the phone
• Timeless memories - Equipped with an advanced 5.0 megapixel camera built into the slimmest profile of any camera handset on the market (at 11.8mm), LG Secret boasts 120 fps video and DivX® certified playback
• Timeless entertainment - Entertainment features include Touch Media that takes advantage of the touch screen to directly access five multimedia functions in a single button – music, photos, games, documents, and FM radio
• Timeless convenience - LG Secret makes life easier with Bluetooth auto-sync that automatically synchronizes with the PC and users do not have to be hassled by tangled USB cables. The Auto Rotating Display shifts the image on the screen for viewing in any position

These and many other features, which are described in more detail in the original press release, make this phone proud to be one of the Black Label Series. LG Secret begins its launch in Europe followed by launch events in Asia, South America, and on to the rest of the world. Please also visit LG Secret Global Microsite at http://secret.lgmobile.com.

Panasonic's Stingray Workstation - the power to change

Full article (press release) here

Panasonic Information Systems, a division of Panasonic System Solutions Company and a world leader in point of sale and drive-thru communication solutions, will be showing their revolutionary Stingray Workstation (model JS-950) at FS/TEC 2008. With its flexible open architecture and versatile modular construction that provides lower total cost of ownership, this unique workstation is transforming the POS market with “the power to change."

“Stingray is so innovative in its approach to providing users what they need, it has changed the way POS workstations are selected and sold in the quick service and hospitality industries,” said Doyle Ledford, Director, Panasonic Information Systems. “The open platform design of our new Stingray applies both to software and hardware, as this workstation will run virtually any operating system, and software and can be configured with the selection of components and capabilities that best meet users’ specific needs. Most importantly, Stingray allows for change – both in terms of software upgrades and hardware changes – both easily and cost-efficiently. It’s the POS solution that offers lower total cost of ownership by evolving as your business needs change and by offering user replaceable components such as the LCD display and hard drive.”

Stingray’s open architecture runs virtually any operating system and software, allowing users to implement most off-the-shelf or custom POS applications to meet their specific needs. With a high speed processor and up to 2 GB of on-board RAM, Stingray is ideal for stand-alone applications and can also be integrated into a LAN network to run the most demanding back office operations. It can also run multiple software applications to further extend its functionality and overall efficiency. In addition, it's backwards compatible, allowing operators to replace one workstation at a time for maximum cost-efficiency.

Stingray’s unique all-in-one modular design allows convenient, cost-effective customization to meet specific application needs. Users can design it to fit their operations with the confidence of knowing they have the power to change the unit’s configuration at any time. Stingray allows users to easily increase RAM, swap or change hard drives, remove/replace the LCD display, switch the 15” LCD display from landscape to portrait, add a card reader in the position they want, or add security devices – all with no need for a technician. Stingray’s dual back lit LCD adjustable displays deliver high-resolution, high-contrast images and are available with resistive or capacitive touch screen technology for faster, more accurate order taking.

Samsung Electronics and Giorgio Armani - Premium LCD Television

From the official Samsung website: Press release

With the occasion of the Milan International Furniture Fair Samsung Electronics and Giorgio Armani, one of the leading fashion and luxury goods groups in the world, unveil the new Armani/Samsung premium LCD television, designed for a discriminating consumer, who is seeking a prestige television that combines sophisticated design and leading flat screen technology.

The Armani/Samsung LCD Television is the second product (following the Giorgio Armani - Samsung mobile phone) designed by Giorgio Armani under a strategic marketing alliance announced by the two companies in September, 2007. The alliance foresees the development of a range of prestige portable and home consumer electronics products matching Giorgio Armani’s iconic design aesthetic with Samsung’s cutting-edge technology and leadership in consumer electronics.

Unique design elements include a stylish remote control and a special 4-mode lighted power switch that customizes the display of the two companies’ logos on the front of the television. At rest, the remote mirrors the simple elegance of the television itself. When handled, the unit immediately comes alive with radiant backlights to present a full range of convenient features. The television also comes with a smaller, pebble-shaped remote for basic functions that rests at the corner of the stand.

The unit is further accentuated by glass in the front and shows simple but solid natural lines that convey pure emotional expression. Both models, 46-inch and 52-inch, are to incorporate many of the features and cutting-edge technologically, such as 100Hz Full HD and HDMI connectors, that have made Samsung Televisions world renowned for their outstanding picture quality and high-end functionality.

The design of the Armani/Samsung LCD Television has been inspired by Giorgio Armani's new 2008/09 Armani/Casa home furnishings collection, which includes the Brahms tea table in pleated effect glossy black lacquered wood which has been specifically designed to host the new television.

Giorgio Armani said, "There was once a time when one would want to hide a television as it never failed to disturb the ambience of a living room. Now, through the incredible advance in technology, flat screen televisions can easily be incorporated into the design solution for a home."

Bookeun Yoon, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Division of Samsung Electronics said, “There are more and more consumers today who are increasingly style conscious in their selection of home electronics products. They are looking for products that unite the best contemporary design with technological performance and functionality. This partnership therefore affords us the chance to offer those consumers unique products matching Giorgio Armani's sophisticated, iconic style with Samsung's leading technology."

The 46-inch Armani/Samsung Television, will be launched initially in Europe, Korea and Russia in mid summer . The 52-inch model will be launched in late-summer in the same market.

Adidas and Samsung - miCoach

Every day we see more and more technologies blended with one another, things that you would never thought that they would mix. I remember a few years ago some company released a refrigerator with an Internet connection. I still don't know what it was good for, but maybe others found some uses for that.

One of the things I never thought possible was the use of electronic technology in psychical training. Usually when someone works out, they try to lose as much as possible the extra accessories so nothing can slow them down. But these days almost no one is jogging without an MP3 or radio player. And when I think about it, it's not that much weight to carry around. So why not have something extra?

Adidas teemed up with Samsung and created a phone that acts as a personal trainer, monitoring you while you work out. The concept is nothing new but the innovation comes in the following: "miCoach is the only system that turns that data into a personal training plan based on your fitness level and goals. miCoach is designed to help all types of runners, from beginners to veterans, perform at their highest level, stay motivated and achieve their goals". So it also processes the data it gathers. That's useful, as there aren't many that now what their heart rate should be or other medical informations for that matter. I'm one of them.

The phone itself is also pretty good and within the current standards: MP3 player and Stereo FM Radio, WAP 2.0, USB 2.0 ant Bluetooth 2.0 ERD, 1GB internal memory, 176x220 TFT 262K display, 2.0MP camera (I guess this one is for when you take that well deserved break). On top of that it has a built-in pedometer, real-time coach narration during workouts (for the motivation), workout planning, managing, and tracking on miCoach.com. Since we mentioned Adidas was one of the master minds behind this project, you can imagine that the phone is compatible with Adidas adiStar sports apparel and it synchronizes with Adidas miCoach system: foot pod, heart rate monitor.

So that's another good gadget from Samsung. If you're interested in buying one Associated Press states that "miCoach hits retail stores in Europe this month and will roll out in the United States in 2009. It will cost $304 to $608 in Europe, depending on the service plan users select. U.S. pricing has not been set".

New LCD Desktop Monitors from Samsung

Samsung has released five new desktop monitors designed for the mainstream market, but with performances that may appeal to a small percentage of the gaming market. The monitors are part of the SyncMaster series and some of the features are the 5ms response times and the high contrast ratio that reaches 8000:1 on some models. With these new displays, Samsung aims to provide a good quality at a low price.

The BMX models feature a 16:10 aspect ratio, all models having rounded edges, a slim 15mm bezel, a gloss finish, and of course controls for setting brightness, contrast, and other settings, along with support for DVI with HDCP. On top of that, they all have stands with adjustable height, rotation, and swivel features, and come with a three-year warranty.

With sizes ranging from 17 to 22 inches, I'm sure you can find one that will meet your demands. Prices, as I've said earlier, are not high. Have a look at these:

• SyncMaster 743BX, 17-inch - $239
• SyncMaster 943BX, 19-inch - $279
• SyncMaster 943BWX, widescreen, 19-inch - $269
• SyncMaster 2043BWX, widescreen, 20-inch - $309
• SyncMaster 2243BWX, widescreen, 22-inch - $359

More details can be found if you follow the links to the official Samsung website.

Samsung SGH-F250: Stylish and cheap

The market for electronics and gadgets has known an increased desire for style for a few years now. And the manufacturers of such products are trying to come forward with better looking devices every time. The glossy or shiny "toys" are a trend that doesn't seem to go away. Not like I'm complaining. I personally love them.

It seems like more and more people are discarding their old dull looking devices for the new eye-candy ones. One problem with these is that they're a little on the expensive side. Well, it seems good news are on the way, as Samsung prepares to release a new model in their mobile phone collection. The new SGH-F250 is intended to be a relatively cheap model, with nice looks and good functionality. According to Idealo News, it "should cost under £150 and be geared towards mobile phone users with average demands. Anyone who doesn’t want to pay too much, but still places a high value on a chic design as well as modern technology, will appreciate this model . Both the high value workmanship with shining chrome edges and the mirrored surface design have been imported from pricier models".

That sound pretty good I think. It's about time the average people could afford a nice mobile phone, that both works and is in trend. And as we are already used to, the new things are always the most expensive when they are released. So after a while this mobile phone will become even cheaper. And of course, others will release their own cheap and stylish models. It's the kind of trend I'm looking for. Nothing brings out the best of companies as the fear of competition.