With WWDC around the corner, the blogosphere is aflutter with talk of the 3G iphone. But what else does the mothership have in store for us next? Try 3D gaming. Earlier this month, AppleInsider reported that Apple had published its patent for a 3D remote-control system. The report suggests that the remote-control system will be able to detect the absolute position of the remote on an X, Y and Z axes, similar to Nintendo’s Wiimote. AppleInsider suggests that Apple TV would serve as the game console. Supporting AppleInsider’s speculation, PopCap vice president of video game platforms Greg Canessa said in a Wired interview that he would be "customizing [PopCap’s] user interface and display for Zune, ipod, [and] Apple TV." Details on the 3D-gaming experience itself are scarce; when questioned about gaming in interviews, Steve Jobs has been tight-lipped as usual. (Read the full post about ‘Apple’s Next Step: 3D, Wii-Like Gaming?’…)
You can tell that it’s almost vacation time: Pentax is announcing their Optio W60, a compact camera that is waterproof and dust resistant (thanks to its airtight seals). Obviously it also has imaging qualities like a 10 Megapixel resolution, 5X optical zoom, an anti-shake system, and a sensivity of 6400 ISO (that can’t be so useful with such a small lens, anyways). Also, it can record HD video (720p). Available in the U.S in July for $329.95 Tags: lcd, robots, Gadget, equipment (Read the full post about ‘Pentax Optio W60 Can Handle Water and Extreme Weather’…)
The latest mod to come the ever-hackable Eee PC seems like one that should have been done a long time ago. For just about $15 you can ‘somewhat easily’ add a backlight to your keyboard. The mod is estimated to take about 3 hours and requires you taking your keyboard off as well as some soldering. After all your work you will indeed have a nice backlit keyboard that will allow you to comfortably type at any time of day or night, sadly the light is powered by an external battery back that runs on two AA-batteries. While a nice little trick, it would be much cooler if this could be powered internally. Personally I would opt for a cheap external USB light as opposed to having a battery pack stuck to the top of my Eee. (Read the full post about ‘Latest Eee PC hack adds backlit keyboard for just $15′…)
Today’s fight card: Garmin, the “old man” of the GPS world vs youngster TeleNav. Garmin’s renown for having tons (literally) of products in aviation, marine and just about everywhere else imaginable. TeleNav focuses on just cell phone navigation and focuses their efforts there. Which will win out on our testing? Garmin XT $99 (for cellphones with internal GPS) or $199 (for cell phones without). Pros: Great maps, a more logical layout of maps made understanding the road ahead a little easier than TeleNav. Cons: No spoken streets just a “make left ahead”; leaves me guessing which street I need to turn on. Menus were difficult to navigate. Maps are dated. Traffic not updated regularly for me. (Read the full post about ‘Fight Club: Garmin XT vs. TeleNav; GPS on your phone’…)
