Samsung introduces the Credit Card Sized Cell Phone, the Card Phone II

Samsung released a new credit card sized phone the SGH-P310 that sports a newly designed exterior and a revamped abundance of features.

Samsung’s P310 offers superior portability with its slim and wide form factor. Designers and engineers managed to trim the Card Phone II to a mere 8.5mm in thickness. The P310 shed the P300’s retro look and wrapped itself in an elegant black color. Resembling a simple and clean credit card, the P310’s modern design is sure to attract the fashion-conscious and working professionals. The exquisitely designed P310 is the perfect companion for business users who desire a stylish premium feather-light mobile to serve their needs anytime, anywhere.

See article at Samsung SGH-P310

Users Top rated cell phones : Yahoo survey

Based on Yahoo's survey and tracking, the top 5 cell phones are:

1) Sony Ericsson W600i Walkman Cell phone



The W600i Walkman phone with 3D gaming is not only sleek and stylish but highly functional. The phone includes Bluetooth wireless connectivity, EDGE capability, and is quad-band, allowing it to be used all over the world. And, with its 256 megabytes of internal memory, the W600i Walkman phone stores up to ten full length CDs or between 80 and 120 songs, depending on the compression rate.
http://tech.yahoo.com/ps/sony-ericsson-w600i-walkman/1993517817;_ylt=AmFLpmGaT9p7TfpKQNX_oKj.LZA5



2) Nokia N80 Cell Phone



The N80 is based on Quadband GSM/EDGE that enables
Next generation wireless connectivity with Wireless LAN
Includes 3 Megapixel camera, integrated flash and close up mode
Other features include calendar, phonebook, photos, videos and music synchronized with your compatible PC
Excellent high resolution display for superb viewing experience

http://tech.yahoo.com/ps/nokia-n80/1993975123;_ylt=AmFLpmGaT9p7TfpKQNX_oKj.LZA5



3) T-Mobile Sidekick II


The thin new T-Mobile Sidekick II makes it even easier to stay in the know (and on the go).
Flip open the big color screen and shoot off unlimited e-mails on the better-than-ever QWERTY keyboard. Snap a photo with the new built-in camera and send it to your friends. Hop online and check your top Web picks. Or just pick up your Sidekick II and make a call.

http://tech.yahoo.com/ps/t-mobile-sidekick-ii/1991678452;_ylt=AmFLpmGaT9p7TfpKQNX_oKj.LZA5



4) Sony Ericsson W800i Cell Phone

The W800i is also a 2-megapixel digital camera with video recording capability. Save your images in the W800i image gallery or move them to a PC. Let your friends see what you see using picture and video messaging (MMS) phone-to-phone

http://tech.yahoo.com/ps/sony-ericsson-w800i/1991747019

5) Motorola Razr V3 Cell Phone


The Moto Razr V3 is expertly crafted to deliver exceptional performance. Inside the ultra-thin design are advanced features like MPEG4 video playback, Bluetooth wireless technology, a digital camera and more. And with the precision-cut keypad, minimalist styling and metal finish, the V3 looks just as beautiful as it performs.
http://tech.yahoo.com/ps/motorola-razr-v3-magenta/1993398215;_ylt=AmFLpmGaT9p7TfpKQNX_oKj.LZA5

RealNetworks Partners with SanDisk to create an iPod alternative

RealNetworks Inc. is teaming up with SanDisk Corp. to release a portable music player that more closely links with RealNetworks' Rhapsody online music service, in the latest attempt to take on Apple's iPod and iTunes stronghold.

Analysts see the deal, to be announced Monday, as a way for SanDisk and RealNetworks to join forces against a new common foe: Microsoft Corp., which recently announced plans to release its own Zune portable music player and service.

Read more about the RealNetworks & SanDisk partnership at Sandisk

Sandisk launches 2-gigabyte MP3 music player for under $100

SanDisk Corp. (Nasdaq:SNDK - news) will bring a $100 MP3 music player onto the market in October with a capacity of 2 gigabytes, enough to hold about 1,000 songs, the company said on Saturday. The Sansa™ c200 MP3 players are the flagship products of SanDisks audio line and feature a stylish flash memory-based MP3 player that is loaded with high-end features -- such as a bright LCD color screen and a microSD™ expansion slot. The announcement was made at a press conference at IFA, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, where SanDisk is exhibiting at Booth 103, in Hall 2.1 of Messe Berlin, through Sept. 6.

The very attractive, sleek design of Sansa includes a 1.8 TFT color screen with advanced navigational features and an easy to use interface and scratch resistant durable metal backing. The Sansa e200 provides superior sound playback and supports Microsoft PlaysForSure subscription music. The SanDisk Media Converter supports most image formats to enjoy photos and small personal videos.

The c200 is sold in two capacities – 1 gigabyte (GB) and 2GB. However, the memory can be expanded with the addition of an optional SanDisk microSD™ card, which currently is available in capacities of from 256 megabytes (MB) to 2GB**. For example, with a 2GB microSD card, a user can transform a 2GB player into a 4GB player to hold nearly 2,000 songs (at 64kbps). The c200 supports WMA, MP3 and the protected WMA DRM format that gives consumers the ability to purchase or subscribe to music from most music service providers.
Suggested retail prices are $79.99 for the 1GB unit and $99.99 for the 2GB unit, and the SanDisk c200 is expected to be available from retailers in the U.S. and Europe in October, with other regions following later.

Read about the Sansa at Sandisk

Eyezotica Trends:Zune, the iPod killer from Microsoft

Microsoft Corp. today unveiled details of the first products to be released under its Zune™ brand. Designed around the principles of sharing, discovery and community, Zune will create new ways for consumers to connect and share entertainment experiences. The Zune experience centers around connection — connection to your library, connection to friends, connection to community and connection to other devices.

Microsoft Corp. today unveiled details of the first products to be released under its Zune™ brand. Designed around the principles of sharing, discovery and community, Zune will create new ways for consumers to connect and share entertainment experiences. The Zune experience centers around connection — connection to your library, connection to friends, connection to community and connection to other devices.

every Zune device is preloaded with content from record labels such as DTS, EMI Music’s Astralwerks Records and Virgin Records, Ninja Tune, Playlouderecordings, Quango Music Group, Sub Pop Records, and V2/Artemis Records.

Zune Accessories
To enhance the Zune experience, three accessory packs help Zune users enjoy their music where they want to, at home or on the road. The packs and the individual accessories, all designed exclusively for Zune, will be available at launch:

•The Zune Car Pack includes everything needed to hit the road with a Zune device, such as the built-in FM tuner with AutoSeek and the Zune Car Charger.

•The Zune Home A/V Pack enhances your experience in the home through five products that integrate Zune with the TV and music speakers: Zune AV Output Cable, Zune Dock, Zune Sync Cable, Zune AC Adapter and the Zune Wireless Remote for Zune Dock.

•Zune Travel Pack is a set of five products designed to keep friends and family entertained on the road: Zune Premium Earphones, Zune Dual Connect Remote, Zune Gear Bag, Zune Sync Cable and the Zune AC Adapter.

Read more about the Zune at : Microsoft

Nokia Launches Trio of Fashion Phones

Nokia unveiled three new cell phones the 7390, the 7360 and the 7373 that are geared towards the fashion conscious with plenty of bells and whistles.

This sleek, elegant fold phone, consummately blends precision technology with groundbreaking design. As Nokia's first 3G fashion phone, the Nokia 7390 combines exquisite materials and design innovation within a fully featured phone. The 3 megapixel camera and WCDMA high-speed connectivity is subtly hidden within ceramic-inspired shell and leather panels. Ideal for a 24/7 lifestyle, the Nokia 7390 is available in two colours, a Bronze Black version provides a masculine feel, echoing cigar parlours and oak-panelled studies of a by-gone era. The Powder Pink model is a daring combination of ceramic white and powder pink, a colour palate currently found on fashion catwalks and furniture fairs.

Nokia 7373: Metropolitan style, fluid form
Ethnic patterns and a compact swivel design gives the Nokia 7373 its fresh look and perfect grip. Elaborate tribal markings provide a unique point for contemporary design interpretation, where form and decoration are married seamlessly together. This results in finely tooled surfaces, exquisite detail, embossed finishing and further decoration when the mobile phone is opened, proving that the Nokia 7373 is a veritable treasure chest of reference and culture.

The Nokia 7373 is available in Bronze black, Powder Pink and Black Chrome, with a wide array of complementary graphical themes. The estimated retail price of the Nokia 7373 is expected to be approximately EUR 350, excluding taxes and subsidies.


Nokia 7360: Subtly styled, elegantly compact
The Nokia 7360 is an elegant and compact mobile phone, subtly styled with accents inspired by metal, leather and transparent surfaces. The innovative use of materials gives this mobile phone its unique character, which evokes modern design classics. A tactile inlayed leather effect gently wraps around the phone, meeting smooth ceramic-inspired surfaces and glistening metallic details. The Nokia 7360 comes in two colour options. A chrome and black original that is strong, streamlined and reliable. The Powder Pink girlish, charming and undoubtedly the phone that Lewis Carroll's Alice would have used had she needed to make a call from Wonderland.

Read press release at Nokia

RIM Introduces the BlackBerry Pearl

On Sept 07, Research in Motion (RIM) introduced Pearl one of the smallest and lightest smartphones in the market. The Pearl measures just 4.2" x 1.97" x .57" and weighs only 3.1 ounces and is a quad-band GSM/GPRS and EDGE-enabled mobile application powerhouse delivering the fast performance of the latest generation BlackBerry handset platform. The built-in 64MB flash memory is now expandable with a MicroSD card, giving users plenty more storage for music, pictures, videos, and data files.

The Pearl also features a 1.3 megapixel camera with built-in flash and 5x digital zoom that allows users to snap a picture and instantly share it with friends and family by email**, MMS or BlackBerry Messenger.

The BlackBerry Pearl also comes with a media player and stereo headset jack so users can enjoy their favorite music and videos on the go. Music and video clips are delivered with rich sound and vivid color. MP3 and ACC music files and MPEG4 and H.263 video files are supported.

The Pearl will be available from T-Moble USA beginning Sept 12, 2006

Read more on the Pearl at RIM

Eyezotica Trends: Bar-Type Cell Phones in Vogue

A preview of the future trends in Cell Phones requires a visit to Korea or Japan where the world's leading handset vendors churn out new models en-masse. Usually a few of these models turn out to be hits and ultimately find their way in the US market.

Recent trend in Cell Phones is the Bar-type cells phones that ride on the make-it-slim trend. Both Samsung and LG Electronics have introduced some models that are sleek and about the size of a business card.

Check out an in depth article by Kim Tae-gyu in the Korean Times

Perry Ellis licenses Nano-Tex's Resist Spills Fabric treatment

Nano-Tex, a leading fabric innovation company providing nanotechnology-based textile enhancements to the apparel and commercial and residential interiors markets, announced today Perry Ellis, which is licensed to Hartmarx Corporation, and Hart Schaffner Marx have incorporated Nano-Tex's Resist Spills fabric treatment into their fall line of men's suits and separates.

Read article at Businesswire

Stain release benefits to Khakis With Nano-Tex(R) for Men

Eddie Bauer is pleased tointroduce stain release benefits in its Khakis with Nano-Tex for men. Stainrelease has been added to the wrinkle- and stain- resistant benefits of itsKhakis with Nano-Tex. Known for product innovation and the use of qualitymaterials, Eddie Bauer was the first brand to employ Nano-Tex in itsdesigns in 2002. Since then the patented, stain and wrinkle resistantcotton has become a wardrobe staple.

Read article at : prnewswire.com

Intelligent clothes that are stain proof, entertain you and keep you cool

Intelligent apparel based on nano-technology and a host of other technologies have started to appear in the market and make your life much easier. You can now buy apparel that battle bugs, fight UV rays, immune to staining both from perspiration as well as chocolate strains, water proof and so on. In addition, jeans and jackets are available from retailers such as Levi's that are pre-wired for MP3 players and other electornic devices.

You can buy washable wool Tecnoofleece coats by Kristen Blake at Nordstrom that preserve original color and texture of the cloth. Other apparel include Red Label merino wool sweaters for men, washable suede clothing line by Bernardo for both men and women.

At Orvis in Chicago, Buzz Off clothing, which uses a substance from chrysanthemums to repel insects, is a hit not only with sports enthusiasts but with travelers as well. Buzz Off clothing, which battles mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges, plans to expand its line next spring and roll out jeans for men. The product, from Ex Officio, a Seattle-based firm specializing in clothing for travel and the outdoors, arrived in stores only last fall.


Science and technology have made finishes on fabrics more durable and effective. They have moved Teflon from water-repellent outerwear to stain-fighting everyday clothing. They have rehabbed the double-knits and ditched the waxy feeling found in old wrinkle-resistant shirts.

Invista's moisture-wicking Coolmax are incorporating a new odor-managing component called Fresh FX; they're already in Defeet cycling socks.

Alsosoon to be available in stores are: moisturizing socks from MediPeds that soothe with aloe vera, thanks to Lycra Body Care technology that involves micro-beads. In February, Olga will roll out its "Smooth Benefits" intimates collection with camisoles and panties featuring aloe-enriched fabric, thanks to Lycra Body Care technology.

Read more about this article at http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzNTkmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY2NjQzNTImeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkz

Intelligent Basketball shoes from Adidas

adidas has introduced the world’s first intelligent basketball shoe. The shoe, called adidas_1 Basketball, features the award-winning technology that is revolutionizing the sporting goods industry.

The shoe features adaptive technology providing intelligent cushioning, meaning it finds the right level of cushioning whatever the players size or movement. It senses an athlete's needs, understands those needs, and instantly adapts itself to be perfect for the player.

Check out the adidas shoe at http://www.press.adidas.com/DesktopDefault.aspx/tabid-11/16_read-3826/

Eyezotica Trends: Organic glow in dark clothes

At the recent Future Fashion event held in Pisa Italy this year, a number of interesting fashion apparel were exhibited that ranged from smart clothes, intelligent garmets that change color, adapt to environments or are wireless enhanced to receive or transmit information.

Featured in the event is this glow-in-the-dark clothing from Natalia Allen, absorbs organic energy and emits light in dark conditions. The technology is based on particle sized photo-luminescent pigments with fibres that emits light without electricity. The textile can be washed and can glow for about 11 hours on end. The textines are perfect children, pets, athletes, peace officers etc.

Pentagram Partner Designs New P2 Pen

Just when you think the humble pen has received almost every design treatment available in terms of its form and function, renowned product designer Robert Brunner, partner of the leading international consultancy Pentagram, has teamed with Acme Studios to develop a new pen, the P2. The P2 embodies Brunner¹s personal design philosophy and is the latest in a series of Acme¹s writing instruments by internationally renowned designers, including Ettore Sottsas, Michael Graves and André Putman.

More than just a pen, the P2 is an object of beauty. The pen is a combination of simple elementary forms, attention to the use of material and impeccable finish. Its turned aluminum base holds the pen upright akin to an "inkwell". A magnet buried inside the pen cap unexpectedly attaches it to both ends of the pen body, adding an element of surprise. Finally, the elegant dual cone shape and the product's weight make it a joy to hold in your hand.

The P2 is manufactured in machined aluminum and steel and is available in aluminum and dark brown metallic colors. The P2 pen is presented in a sleek black cylindrical cardboard package, also designed by Pentagram. P2¹s retail price is $99, available through http://www.acmestudio.com.

About Pentagram
Formed in 1972, Pentagram is a privately owned international multi-disciplinary design consultancy. Its services span identity, publications, packaging, product, interactive communications, exhibition and environmental design. The firm has offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Berlin and Austin, Texas. Serving Fortune 500 companies, Pentagram¹s seminal projects include Citigroup identity; United Airlines identity, interior, interactive and signage design; Nike Watch design and Design Within Reach identity.

Pentagram: http://www.dexigner.com/directory/detail/6119/

Verizon launches Samsung A990, the first 3.2 mega pixel digital camera phone

Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, set a new standard for mobile camera phones today with the availability of the SCH-a990, the first 3.2 mega pixel digital camera phone available to Verizon Wireless customers. The SCH-a990 enables photo enthusiasts to take high-resolution photos of a similar print quality as a standalone digital camera. In addition, the SCH-a990 boasts a number of media features, including video recording capabilities, V CAST to view video and V CAST Music to download music directly to the phone and Bluetooth(R) wireless technology, to allow a customer to print pictures wirelessly from the SCH-a990 to a Bluetooth-enabled printer basic print profile.

The SCH-a990 has a unique design that looks first like a phone and then, when the screen is rotated 180 degrees, like a camera. This innovative design, along with the high resolution and features such as a flash and in-camera photo editing software, make the SCH-a990 the first mobile device that is as much a camera as it is a multimedia phone.

MobileTechReview writes "If you’re a photographer and in love with clamshell phones, the Samsung a990 might just be the thing for you. From form factor stand point, the Nokia N80 and N73 take comparable photos, but the N80 is a bit thicker and the N73 a bit longer, and neither has clamshell form. The Sony Ericsson W810i is the slimmest in the lot and takes good quality photos, but it’s a candy bar phone and has fewer megapixels. Though not a large phone, the Samsung feels solidly built with some heft to the body and it looks expensive with its black and silver color combo housing. It has two distinct looks when the clamshell is closed: the front looks like a phone and the back looks like a compact digital camera. "

Read more about the Samsun A990 at http://www.kron4.com/Global/story.asp?S=5118621

Wireless iPoD due this fall

It is a no brainer that the next logical step in iPod evolution is a wireless iPod. The question is when? Analyst predictions state that Apple may be on the way to launch a wireless iPod this fall.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster believes that Apple will release an updated sixth-generation iPod in the fall, saying that it will feature new wireless connectivity. "There has recently been a lot of talk about Microsoft's new wireless MP3 player and clearly Microsoft is rich with resources to compete with Apple," the analyst told clients.

Theres plenty of reasons why a wireless iPod coined the "WiPod" may be in the offing.
Rumors/speculation of a wireless iPod is not new, with previous comments by Motorola execs as well as Apple patent images depicting a wireless iPod.

Wonder how the wireless iPod would look in comparison to the Chocolate?

SAMSUNG Unveils the K5, a New MP3 Player with Slide-out Speaker

Samsung introduces a new MP3 Player with slide-out speakers and a elegant touch screen finish that is somewhat a cross between a boom box and a contemporary MP3 player.

Berlin, Germany - 1 st September, 2006 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd ., a market leader in consumer electronics and IT equipment, today announced i ts newest digital creation: the K5(Model Name : YP-K5), a lightweight MP3 player with heavyweight features including an innovative touch screen, FM radio receiver, and built-in speakers. In the 1980s, the personal music revolution allowed users to individualise and privatise their listening styles. Now, Samsung's K5 is kick-starting the trend to break out of this shell by enabling users to share their music experience with others. Samsung has combined their lauded MP3 players designs with those of a mini-boom box to create a unique listening experience.

Music to the Max Built-in Speakers The K5 offers a unique experience through its embedded speakers. The K5's built-in stereo speakers disappear behind the unit when not in use, yet when needed effortlessly slide out to create a free-standing mini-stereo system. Despite being a fraction of the size of the smallest stereo system, the K5's slide-out speaker design delivers the same great sound - no distortion, great volume, and a defined deep bass. Perfect for the active, hip and young lifestyle, the YP-K5 travels with you, allowing you to live your life in sound. Bass Sound Enhanced Earphones The K5 comes with earphones that boast innovative two-part ear buds that boost sound quality and provide the hardware to surround yourself with a powerful sound with enhanced bass tones. Enjoy the same acoustic experience that you would hear from your home stereo. The ergonomic plugs fit securely and comfortably while cutting out extraneous sound. A volume control option prevents you from playing the music at harmful levels, but still allows you to appreciate all the nuances and artistic styles of your favourite songs.

Audible Simplicity Easy to use and a breeze to navigate, the K5 gives a masterful performance that is accessible by everyone Enhanced usability and intuitive interfaces make the K5 playable right out of the box. Hit the power and brilliant OLED lighting illuminates the glossy black surface, and a vertical display guides the user through the K5's multimedia features. The intuitive navigation and aesthetic graphics brighten the screen and complement the K5's comprehensive features, including adaptive displays. Music is conveniently catalogued in various folders, allowing you to quickly locate your song of choice. When the speaker slides out, the K5 seamlessly switches from vertical to horizontal view automatically. The keys on the touch screen remain the same; the multi-directional keys just rotate 90 degrees when going from private to speaker mode for a minimum number of keys, a simplified system and a minimalist look. Bringing your music to a larger number of users, the stereo speakers invite everyone to listen to the K5. From teenager to grandparent, classical purist to hip hop enthusiast, early adopter to old-time radio fan, the K5 brings together a community of like-minded individuals to bridge the digital divide.

The Look of Great Sound Share your love of music with others, and do it with style Fitting easily in the palm of your hand, the K5 is cool and slick to the touch due to its premium magnesium finish. With rounded corners and perfectly flush edging, the compact and slim features allow for easy one-handed dexterity and control.Sensitive to the slightest touch of the finger, the sleek surface lights up with a touch keypad and bright OLED display. A slight nudge and the hideaway speaker effortlessly slides out and automatically pivots to angle itself perfectly for the optimal sound. Meanwhile, the speaker and control screen are positioned to create a stable base that sits comfortably on any table or flat surface.

The K5 allows you to share your listening experience with others whether it be a hot new track you just downloaded or the latest FM radio charts. With PlaysForSure, you can rest assured that your music is compatible with the K5, including songs purchased on the internet. USB 2.0 offers a faster connection for speedy downloads of up to 1000 songs for the 4GB K5 (500 for 2GB, 240 for 1GB).

A Day in the Life of Your K5 A musical companion that travels with you, Samsung's K5 is a premium digital audio player with features to spare The Samsung K5 manages to cram in several features to bring music to every aspect of your day. After personalising your alarm to be woken by your favourite song, you can also catch up on the day's news, weather and traffic reports on FM radio. Preset channels help you find the station you want easily. Your daily commute can be livened up by your K5, by a personalised picture slideshow as you listen; the 2GB/4GB K5 stores up to 25,000 photos (15,000 for 1GB). You can even choose one image to be your MP3 player's screensaver. The K5 boasts 30 hours of playtime when using earphones, and a lengthy 6 hours in speaker mode, allowing you to ensure you have music wherever you go. Imagine the freedom you'll experience with the K5. The slender size and slick black casing blend in effortlessly with your lifestyle, yet the K5 is also a fashionable accessory that will revolutionise your personal and shared audio experience. Easy to use and a pleasure to look at, Samsung's K5 offers you a premium portable audio experience, and the ability to share it with anyone.

Verizon's Chocolate heats up the iPod wars

Verizon Wireless announced a digital music player called “Chocolate”, using a cell phone made by LG Electronics to play songs downloaded over Verizon’s wireless network. Touted as "Part Mp3 player, part Phone", Chocolate looks like an iPod MP3 player with circular scroller. However, one place where it excels is the ability to download songs wirelessly to play music.

The LG phone has sufficient storage space to hold upto 1000 songs on a 2GB microSD memory card made by SanDisk. You can subscribe to Verizon's VCast Music and Video network that allows you to download from over a million songs.

Chocolate also features a 1.3 megapixel camera with digital zoom. Note the difference between the recently released Nokia Sirocco that features 2 megapixel camera.

Other features include a GPS navigation system using the VZ Navigator subscription service from Verizon that provides directions, maps and location information.

Chocolate is available from Verizon for $149 basic edition or $199.99 for a bundle that includes music essentials kit, a car charger and leather case.

The hot Nokia 8800 Sirocco blows you away with its elegance!

Nokia introduces a hot new premium phone, the Nokia 8800 Sirocco featuring a 262K color display, 2 megapixel camera, 128 MB internal memory, an ergonomic keypad and a Bluetooth headset.

Inspired by the forces of nature and the sculptural beauty of the body, Nokia today unveiled its latest premium mobile phone, the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition. Sensual by nature, intuitively beautiful by design, the Sirocco Edition's signature feature is a thumbprint, which perfectly matches the human hand. The soundtrack of the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition was composed by the avant-garde musical pioneer Brian Eno, considered the "father of ambient music."

The Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition draws its name from the powerful desert-born wind that originates in the Sahara when a warm, dry air mass collides with the cooler, maritime air of the Mediterrean. The striking organic shape of the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition references the inherent strength of the human form, a concept further implied by stainless steel polished surfaces and a scratch-resistant glass display window. Like its namesake, the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition consists of two variants - light and dark, the light inspired by the hot, dry air mass, the dark by the cooler, humid one.

And as it blows, the powerful sirocco makes its own unique sound - a composition from nature caused by two air masses colliding. With nature as his inspiration, Brian Eno, the world renowned music composer and ambient music innovator, has created a unique 'sonic texture' that is organic, calm and highly evolved. It has an otherworldly feel - comprised of notes created by instruments that Eno has selected and 'synthesized' himself.

The stainless steel case of the Sirocco Edition is treated in such a way as to give the device a unique sensual feel, which humanizes this natural masterpiece. Impeccable functionality is created through superlative craftsmanship, using techniques drawn from master watchmakers and jewellers. From the sapphire coating of the 262,000 colour display to the distinctive slide mechanism which reveals its 2 mega-pixel camera, or even its extended battery life, every seemingly minor detail of the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition is honed to perfection. The ergonomic keypad undulates like the glimmering dunes of the night desert, whilst the jewel-like navigation key shines like the brightest star in the darkest night. The Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition truly is unique, created out of the inherent beauty and chaos of nature and distilled into a modern form that is graceful, sympathetic and spare.

The Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition also features a complementary Bluetooth headset. This diminutive but distinctive wireless earpiece is also composed of stainless steel, and perfectly matches the nature-inspired Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition.

The Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition is now available in select markets, with an estimated retail price of EUR 1000, before taxes or subsidies.

Technical highlights:
- Exclusive sounds in AAC quality, made by Brian Eno
- Premium User Interface - Look and feel
- 2 Mpx Camera
- High quality stainless steel metal covers for superior durability


At a glance:

• Sleek ergonomic ans luxurious design
• A body sculpted from stainless
  steel for durability
• Fine-pitched scratch-resistant screen for striking
  clarity
• Exquisite sound design by Ryuichi Sakamoto
• Glide open to reveal cleverly hidden SVGA camera
• Seamlessly synchronize with Bluetooth™
  connectivity

See the Nokia Sirocco at http://www.nokia-asia.com/nokia/0,8764,72862,00.html

Fall/Winter 2006 Fashion Trends : Fuse from Adidas

Fusiong performance and design, adidas introduces an aesthetically line of shoes for women called the Fuse.

The new holistic Sport Performance line is dance-inspired and embodies the fusion of performance and design. Casual but sporty apparel, footwear and accessories are all dedicated to young, urban and dynamic women and their movements. Soft, comfortable materials together with dynamic cuts underline the dance inspiration, while fabrics such as cotton and elastane enhance the freedom of movement. In addition, Fuse represents an unexpected silhouette mix: tight and cropped upper shapes are varied with baggy pants for a modern and feminine look. The complete Fuse collection highlights appealing details such as printed logos and artwork, draw cords at the hem, in the hood or at leg bottoms, hoodies, kangaroo pockets and extra-wide collars.

The Fuse color palette blends bold, young and fresh colors like dark ocean, soft pink and grey heather together with an impactful contrasting linear graphic execution.

The adidas Women Fuse Fall/Winter 06 collection will hit retail globally in October 2006 and will be available in department stores worldwide including the adidas Sport Performance concept stores. Price points vary from 15 Euros (Accessories) to 70 Euros (Footwear).

Monitor you health in real-time using wireless technology

For the extreme health conscious folks they now have a way to track the health of their body in real-time using the ActiHealth Montioring System from FitSense Technology, Inc. This wearable & portable monitoring system provides the timely motivational feedback to change personal behavior.

The wireless system effortlessly collects and transports personal health data that can be viewed instantly by the user as they go through their day.The ActiHealth body sensors accurately monitor physical activity, calorie burn, weight, body fat, blood pressure, blood glucose, heart rate and more.

Couple with the ActiHeath is the BodyLAN wireless network system that is a revolutionary and patented intelligent, two-way radio network that can control and respond to sensors and actuators, as well as provides wireless connectivity to the Internet via devices such as a phone, PDA or PC.

The data from the ActiHealth Monitoring system is data/time stamped and fed into the ActiHealth Network that provides a secure end to end data network that makes it easy for Program Providers to process personal health data and present the feedback to its members.

Read more on the ActiHealth Monitoring System from FitSense at http://www.fitsense.com/SystemDevice.aspx

Can you hug your friends from a distance?

Well now you can! With the Hug Shirt from CuteCircuit. The Hug Shirt (F+R Hugs) is a shirt that allows people to exchange the physical sensation of a hug over distance. Embedded in the shirt there are sensors that feel the strength of the touch, the skin warmth and the heartbeat rate of the sender and actuators that recreate the sensation of touch, warmth and emotion of the hug to the shirt of the distant loved one.

The Technology

The Hug Shirt is a Bluetooth accessory for Java enabled mobile phones. Hug shirts don’t have any assigned phone number, all the data goes from the sensors wirelessly to your mobile phone and your mobile phone delivers the data stream to your loved one phone and seamlessly is transmitted Bluetooth to the other person’s shirt (sounds complex but the operation takes the same few seconds it would take to send an SMS, or text message). You will be able to send hugs while you are on the move, in the same way and to the same places you are able to make phone calls (Rome to Tokyo, New York to Paris).

The system is very simple: a Hug Shirt (Bluetooth with sensors and actuators), a Bluetooth java enabled mobile phone with the Hug Me java software running (that understands what the sensors are communicating), and on the other side another phone and another shirt.

The Hug Shirt can be washed. The technology sandwiches (containing sensors and actuators), placed under each circle you see in the pictures, can be removed for washing and placed back in afterwards. In the same way the hug can be customized: total body or just around the shoulders, and so on. The tech sandwiches are plug and play, so that you don’t need to be an expert to place them and make it work! The Hug Shirts are available in many colors, so that you can move the tech sandwiches from shirt to shirt and remain fashionable.

When touching the sensors on your shirt your mobile receives the data (hug pressure, skin temperature, heartbeat rate, time you are hugging for, and the name of the person you want to hug) and delivers it to the other person. If the other person or the sender doesn’t have the shirt she can just send an SMS text message, and it will be transformed into a hug! If you don’t need a hug you can switch it off.

The operation cost is the same of sending SMS, depending on your service provider (in Italy is very inexpensive). The hugs shirt is Bluetooth and works with mobile phones on any bandwidth (900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz and so on). Runs on rechargeable batteries. The Hug Shirt is built using RoHS components, it means that the Hug Shirt is lead-free and non-toxic.

Read more about the Hug Shirt at http://www.cutecircuit.com/now/projects/wearables/fr-hugs/

Cool fashion for flip phones from CellStrands

This reminded me of an old Tom & Jerry cartoon where Jerry presented Tom with a nice looking golden bell. Tom was so thrilled that he would wear it and play with the bell all the time warning Jerry whenever Tom was nearby.

Well, CellStrands introduced a neat line of necklace products that allow you to wear your flip phone around your neck and look cool too. Cellstrands Inc. was founded by working moms who were tired of digging for their cell phone and missing the call while holding a child in one arm, leaving only one hand free. Missing the call wasn't an option. With one child in school, a baby, and a home based business that relied on actually answering the phone, something had to be done. After looking in the market place and finding nothing there to fix the problem, Diana Croft, the inventor and designer, decided to make her own solution. Diana spent two years developing and field testing different materials for strength as well as beauty. The end result has been an ingenious design that is strong, beautiful, cool and tough enough to handle your flip phone.

With CellStrands you can wear your phone around your neck or attach to the jeans pocket or even your nice designer purse where it is easily accessible.


Check out CellStrands at http://www.cellstrands.com

Wireless Shoes:Code-M from Dada

LL International of Los Angeles, Ca introduced a new hi-tech shoe called 'Code-M' that blends wireless system into shoes delivering both audio and data. The Code-M shoe from Dada delivers music to a awireless headset with no wires and no digital music device to carry upto a radius of 30 feet. So you can listen to your music while wearing the shoes or not as long as you are within the 30 feet radius. The Code M system is integrated into the shoe's heel and tongue. It has sufficient memory to hold upto 100 signs on a six hour battery life. There is even a USB port on the lateral side of the shoe that allows for downloading of music and re-charging the battery.

The shoe is great for those group aerobic sessions you can confortably listen to music of your choice without ever worrying about that expensive MP3 player falling down during your gyrations.

Available in a number of models for both men and women, the Code-M shoes will retail for around $199.


Check out the Code-M shoe from Dada at http://www.dadafootwear.com/

Men’s Crocs Shoes Have Gone Hi-Tech!

I have always had a problem with atheletes foot and needed a shoe that offered enough exposure to air and could be worn both at work as well as in casual surrounding. Never really a fan of Birkenstocks, Croc's on the other hand are my favourite. Soft, lightweight and comfortable footwear, Crocs are made of resin instead of plastic so they mold themselves to my feet and resist odor. Unlike smelly sandals, I don’t have to hide my Crocs in the closet when I’m not wearing them.

Crocs shoes use a PCCR technology that molds to your foot and fits any man perfectly. This technology is the ultimate in foot comfort. PCCR is a patented closed cell resin that will warm and soften with your body’s temperature. The PCCR is an anti-microbial material that is resistant to bacteria and fungus and will prevent your shoes from smelling of foot odor. Men’s shoes of all types are becoming more and more advanced. Crocs shoes are determined to lead the industry in comfort and hi-tech quality for men.

For more information on Crocs visit: www.crocs.com or look up Crocs at Eyezotica.

More on iPod setting new fashion trends. Its not enough carrying an iPod but now its also cool to have a designer bag that you can safely store your IPod and carry it while travelling. In a recent article by Diana Hechavarria, we came to know that the likes of Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Marc Jacobs etc., have all introduced iPod holders. For example, Prada offers a classy metallic leather MP3 case made of Saffiono leather. Marc Jacobs offers a Soft Calf iPod holder that is made of soft calf leather that features a polished nickel clip on top and a Marc Jacobs plaque on the back.

Read more on this at:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/35952/ipod_fashions_cases_from_prada_and.html

A marriage of Nike + iPod

There is no stopping the Apparel and Consumer Electronic mashup trends. Now it is the mashup of two great brands and two very high tech products: Nike and IPod. Nike has announced that it will make running shoes that will tell the wearer how far and how fast he or she as run and how many calories they have burned. This information is expected to come from a miniature iPod, made by Apple Computer, Inc and a new wireless system called Nike+iPod.

The Nike+iPod Sports Kit, which is expected to sell for about $29, will use miniature versions of the iPod to provide audio data on time, distance, pace and calories burned through an attachable receiver that will get the data from a sensor embedded in the insole of special Nike shoes.
The new Air Zoom Moire line of running shoes - priced at $100 - are the first to have space for the sensor, but others will follow, Nike said. The removable sensor, about the size of a piece of chewing gum, can be used with any compatible shoe.


Read more at
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/05/24/business/nike.php
http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/solution-20060719.html

Wearable technolgies: iPod + Levi Jeans

Wearable technolgies, the realm of the geeks, is finally entering mainstream market with a push from none other than Levi's. The Levi's brand is launching a wearable technology revolution with the introduction of new Levi's RedWire DLX Jeans, available worldwide in fall 2006. Designed for both men and women, the jeans seamlessly integrate iPod plug and play technology giving music enthusiasts the most innovative and fashionable way to enjoy music on the go. The jean is designed to be compatible with most iPod systems and features include a special joystick incorporated into the jeans' watch pocket to enable easy operation of the iPod.

Levi Strauss debuts iPod-compatible jeans
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 05:22 PM EDT

The Levi's brand is launching a wearable technology revolution with the introduction of new Levi's RedWire DLX Jeans, available worldwide in fall 2006. Designed for both men and women, the jeans seamlessly integrate iPod plug and play technology giving music enthusiasts the most innovative and fashionable way to enjoy music on the go. The jean is designed to be compatible with most iPod systems and features include a special joystick incorporated into the jeans' watch pocket to enable easy operation of the iPod. "

The Levi's RedWire DLX Jean is the latest extension of the Levi's brand leadership position by merging fashion and technology that provides consumers with the most innovative way to enhance their portable, digital music lifestyle," said Robert Hanson, Levi's U.S. brand president in the press release. "In designing the jeans we considered both function and fashion -- the result is a uniquely functional, yet stylish, great fitting jean."

Invented in 1873 by Levi Strauss, Levi's Jeans are the original jeans. For more information about the Levi's brand, products and Levi's stores, visit http://www.levi.com.
Levi's official Redwire Jeans Site: http://www.ap.levi.com/redwire/
See articles:
http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/8150/
http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/11/levis-redwire-dlx-ipod-jeans/
http://www.searchenginejournal.com/?p=2743

Xbox 360 Goes Wireless

The Gaming wars continue to heat up. This time the battlefield is wireless. With the next-generation console battle about to heat up for the holidays, Microsoft Corp. is hoping that going wireless will help draw in consumers to its Xbox 360 system.

The company announced wireless accessories Wednesday at the 2007 Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany. The new products include a camera for video chat and a racing wheel for driving video games.

The new Xbox Live Vision camera, available in the United States on Sept. 19, will let gamers see and talk with one another on Microsoft's Xbox Live online service.

A $39.99 edition will include the camera, a headset for voice chat, a one-month subscription to the premium version of Xbox Live, as well free downloads of the video games "UNO" and "TotemBall" on Xbox Live Arcade. For $79.99, consumers get a 12-month subscription to Xbox Live and free downloads of "UNO" and "Robotron."

Coming in November is the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel. Designed for racing games, the $149.99 controller will include force feedback to simulate bumpy roads.

By the end of the year, the company also plans to sell a $59.99 wireless headset for voice chatting and a $19.99 wireless receiver so consumers can use the devices to play games on their Windows-based computers.

The new products come as rivals Sony Corp. and Nintendo Co. prepare to enter the next-generation video game market.

The PlayStation 3 from Sony, due Nov. 17, will have wireless controllers with built-in motion sensors but no force-feedback feature.

Nintendo's Wii, meanwhile, uses a unique TV-style remote that can be swung like an ax or an golf club to control the on-screen action. Nintendo has only said the Wii should be available by the end of the year.

As stated in the XBox site www.xbox.com, The Xbox 360 Accessories include:


HD-DVD Player: High-definition movies utilizing the very best resolutions that HDTV can handle are finally here, and this fall you can make the next-gen jump to movie watching on your Xbox 360 at a fraction of the cost of standalone players. Learn more here.

Xbox Live Vision Camera: The Vision Camera is much more than the next generation of webcam. It not only provides video chat at near-perfect real-time, but its functionality is also set to be utilized in games. Imagine taking your picture and molding your face onto your in-game character or using gesture recognition to relay commands to your AI controlled squad-mates in-game. The possibilities are as endless as a developer's imagination.

Xbox 360 Live Wireless Headset: Any opportunity to rid yourself of wires is a welcome one, and with this fan-favorite peripheral you can finally enjoy voice chat without chaining yourself to your controller or worrying about yanking out cords at a vital moment in an online match.

Xbox 360 Wireless Steering Wheel: No genre benefits more from an alternate control scheme than the racing genre, and with this sleek racing wheel in your hands, your immersion into the world of car racing will be complete. What's more, it's wireless, but even better, it provides force feedback rumble too.