LaCie Introduces Three “Keys” for Handy Portable Storage

LaCie has announced three new ways to carry digital content - LaCie itsaKey, iamaKey and PassKey USB key drives. The inventive, compact key-shaped design conveniently fits in a pocket or on a key ring.

The itsaKey and iamaKey can store up to 8 gigabytes of flash memory. The three USB keys are built with sturdy metal, making their surfaces tough and dependable. The Gold SIP connector on the iamaKey is both water- and scratch- resistant, making it one of the thinnest and most durable flash drive choices on the market.

The LaCie iamaKey, itsaKey and PassKey can be used with both PC and Mac. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface offers universal compatibility and cross-platform convenience. It also features a hot-pluggable connection and outstanding high speed transfer rates of up to 30 MB/s for key drives.

The LaCie Keys are available through the LaCie Online Store or LaCie resellers, starting at $9.90.

Vuzix iWear AV310 Widescreen Personal Media Viewer Now Available

Vuzix has announced the widespread retail availability of the iWear AV310 Widescreen personal media viewer. It is worn by users like a set of eyeglasses and offers a 16:9 aspect ratio with 3D capabilities.

The device projects a virtual 52' screen from 9-feet. A single AA battery provides enough juice to run it for five hours. It offers independent +2 to -5 diopter focus, providing individual adjustment for each eye. The AV310 is compatible with iPod, video cameras, gaming consoles, DVD players & other devices with a video output for NTSC or PAL.

Other features of iWear AV310 include twin high-resolution LCD displays, one for each eye, removable and comfort fit earbuds with adjustable, hypoallergenic nosepiece. The AccuTilt viewer offers 15 degrees of tilt adjustment. It also offers on-screen display settings control.

The Vuzix AV310 Widescreen is available at Brookstone, SkyMall, MicroCenter, Hammacher Schlemmer and Vuzix.com, priced at $249.95.

Interact With 3D Display Using Simple Gestures With iPoint 3D

Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have presented a new innovation, iPoint 3D, that allows people to interact with a 3-D display through simple gestures. There is absolutely no need to touch it with a data glove or use 3D glasses.

The system features a recognition device, not much larger than a keyboard that can be suspended from the ceiling above the user or integrated in a coffee table. Its two built-in FireWire cameras detect hands and fingers movement in real time and transmit the information to a computer.

As the interaction is entirely contactless, the system appeals to video gamers and is ideal for scenarios where contact between the user and the system is not possible or not allowed, such as in an operating room, says Paul Chojecki, a research scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications.

iPoint 3D will be presented by the researchers at CeBIT in Hanover, Germany.

Google Calendar now offline

Google Calendar can now be accessed offline. You can now see your Google Calendar events when you're disconnected. Offline Calendar lets you view your existing schedule and events, but not edit them, so you don't have to print out calendars the night before a trip.

Like Gmail, the offline feature of Calendar uses Gears, an open source browser extension that adds offline functionality directly to the browser. To enable offline Calendar access, sign in to Google Calendar and look for the "Offline Beta" link in the upper right-hand corner of your account, next to your username.

In addition to offline mode, you can see your calendar when you're away from your desk using two-way sync for iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile and Blackberry devices. So wherever you go, Google Calendar can be there with you.

Official Gmail Blog: View Google Calendar offline

Official Gmail Blog: Updates to attachments: multi-select and progress bars

Gmail has now introduced some changes to the way Gmail attachments work. If you want to send a few files from the same folder, simply hold down the Ctrl key (Cmd on OS X) and click on each file you want to attach to your message. You can also hold down the Shift key to select a continuous list of files. A definite time saver.



You'll not only save a few mouse clicks selecting files, but you'll also see progress bars on each file as it uploads.



Official Gmail Blog: Updates to attachments: multi-select and progress bars

Sandisk Intros Next Generation USB Memory Card Readers

Sandisk has introduced two new ImageMate memory card readers today, the ImageMate All-in-one and the ImageMate Multi-card.

The new readers offer increased efficiency and faster data transfer rates than their predecessors and also have upgraded software applications. They are also smaller and sleeker with detachable tripod base. The All-In-One memory card reader can reach speeds of up to 34 MB per second when using a Extreme IV 45MB/s CompactFlash card, and the Multi-Card reader is capable of up to 30 MB/s read and 27 MB/s write data transfer rates when using a Extreme III 30MB/s Edition SDHC card.

SanDisk ImageMate readers also have a transfer button that automatically launches a user-defined application or web site, such as Adobe Photoshop or flickr.com, to transfer or edit photos.

“The new SanDisk ImageMate readers are two of the fastest and most reliable USB readers, capable of transferring 1-gigabyte of data in less than 35 seconds,” said Jennifer Lee, senior product marketing manager, SanDisk. “The ImageMate readers’ space-saving vertical design makes them unobtrusive on your desk, but with such stylish looks they can’t help but stand out.”

The ImageMate All-in-one reader offers card-to-card data transfers and supports SD, SDHC, miniSDHC, microSDHC, MMC, Memory Stick, MSPD, xD and CompactFlash. It is available now for $29.99.

The ImageMate Multi-Card reader supports xD, Memory Stick, SD, SDHC, and MMC and is retailing for $19.99.

Samsung Offers Beat Edition Mobile Phones for Music Lovers

Samsung has announced the launch of two BEAT Edition mobile phones, the Samsung BeatDJ and Samsung BeatDISC. Loaded with Bang & Olufsen audio technology and music application for finding, purchasing and recommending music, the Beat Edition handsets are designed to satisfy music lovers.

The BeatDJ comes with 50MB of on-board memory, expandable to 16GB with the microSD card slot. The Beat DJ application lets users add voice and sound effects to their favorite songs. With the phone's touch screen 2.8-inch AMOLED display, users can 'scratch' records and create their personal tracks.

Both the phones offer B&O ICEpower amplifier, 3-megapixel cameras, GPS and Samsung’s DISC User Interface. The Samsung BeatDISC also offers a slide-out keypad with a 2.6-inch display.

“The Samsung BEAT Edition handsets will take music on mobile phones to a whole new level of quality and exciting user experience,” said JK Shin, Executive Vice President and head of Mobile Communication division in Samsung Electronics. “With amazing sound quality and advanced music application, the BEAT Edition handsets will appeal to a growing base of consumers that want to consolidate their music playing devices without compromising on style, function and experience.”

Samsung has not yet given any release dates or pricing for the Beat edition phones.

Sony Ericsson W995 Walkman with 8MP camera at MWC 2009

Sony Ericsson has announced W995 Walkman at Mobile World Congress. It has also introduced its Media Go application on the W995 Walkman, which lets you effortlessly and automatically transfer any audio, photos and videos between your phone and computer.

“With Media Go there’s no need to worry about format, resolution and ‘frame per second’ anymore.” said Alexandre Cardon, Global Marketing Business Manager at Sony Ericsson. “No longer will the video you transferred from your PC to your phone play in low resolution or bad quality. With Media Go and the W995 the experience is as good on your phone as it was on your PC.”

The phone boasts of 8-megapixel camera, 2.6-inch LCD, built-in stereo speakers, Geo tagging of photos, Google Maps, aGPS. It comes bundled with 8GB Memory Stick Micro to save photos, video clips and music library. Users can check out the latest videos from YouTube using Turbo 3G or Wi-Fi. It also lets users to subscribe and download podcasts.

Sony Ericsson says W995 will be available in black, red and silver colours in selected markets from Q2.

Sony Ericsson Targets Youth with W395 Walkman Phone

Sony Ericsson has announced W395 Walkman phone, with large powerful built-in stereo speakers. Targeted at youth, the slick slider W395 offers special stereo speakers and also HPM-64 stereo headset with stereo widening for a great sound experience.

The Sony Ericsson W395 phone includes features like 2 megapixel camera, FM radio, 2.0” crystal clear display and motion gaming support. It also offers great music features like TrackID to find the tracks you love easily, while PlayNow allows users to download a full range of mobile content.

Billed by Sony Ericsson as their “most affordable Walkman slider phone to date”, it ships with 1GB memory card and offers dedicated control keys for managing the music. “Sony Ericsson takes pride in understanding the youth market, and the W395 is a mobile phone that caters to all their needs with great music quality.” said Alexandre Cardon, Global product marketing manager (music) at Sony Ericsson.

While the pricing details of the phone are not yet known, it is expected to be available from Q1 in the colours Dusky Grey and Blush Titanium.

LG Arena Offers 3D S Class User Interface

LG has announced LG Arena KM900 multimedia phone with innovative 3D S-Class User Interface. The dynamic interface offers cube-based layout providing four customizable home screens for direct access to all features.

“The direct, intuitive and dynamic S-Class UI will be unlike anything that has appeared on a mobile phone before. With rich 3D graphics, touch sensitivity and exciting multimedia capabilities, it will truly make ARENA a fully loaded multimedia phone,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.

LG says the phone will deliver ‘an exhilarating multimedia experience’, with features aided by Dolby and DivX technologies. It will also offer internet connectivity with HSDPA 7.2 networks, Wi-Fi, A-GPS.

LG will announce more details about Arena KM900 and its features at the Mobile World Congress.