Sony Announces MZ-RH1 Hi-MD Walkman

Sony Announces MZ-RH1 Hi-MD Walkman: "

We know, we know, we can't believe Sony's working on new MiniDisc products either. We're not even sure what we think is cuter: the fact that Sony's still making them, or that they've apparently realized that ATRAC is not going to be king after all no matter how hard they try and so the new MD players now also handle MP3. No, wait, maybe it's that they're actually going to launch Mac support this summer, more than five years after it would've actually made a difference for most people.

MiniDisc units are still among the best audio options when it comes to recording interviews and sound, and we're sure the MZ-RH1 is going to be perfect for that, but for those of us who just want to listen to music the MD's time is long past.

M-Audio Fast Track USB

M-Audio Fast Track USB: "The Fast Track USB is a very simple and portable way to create high-quality home recordings and podcasts without needing a ton of money or experience."

Linux-based iSetBox from Media Systems does it all

Linux-based iSetBox from Media Systems does it all:
It might sound a bit more like an Apple fanboy wish list than an actual product from a Bulgarian company named Media Systems, but the iSetBox looks like it'll turn a few heads either way if ever makes it to market. The device claims to be an all-in-one entertainment center, and we really can't find much that isn't in this box. It includes a CD and DVD writer, can record analog and digital TV, offers a web browser and email client, and can even has a 6-in-1 card reader to further its media inputs. If that wasn't enough, the Linux-based unit can listen to and record digital and analog radio, sports Ethernet networking, and has a myriad of digital and analog inputs and outputs to further its reach into your home's media devices. If you find the unit still lacking, you can add WiFi, Bluetooth or other niceties via a PCI card. The whole box is controlled via a single remote control, which can create playlists of the numerous media formats supported. It's hard to imagine something this feature-filled ever making it to market, but we sure wouldn't mind if it did.

TakaraTomy Nano Channel digital audio player

TakaraTomy Nano Channel digital audio player: "Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video If you're not up on the Japanese toy biz, you may not have realized that rivals Takara and Tomy merged recently. And rather than using their partnership to show off what happens when you combine, say, Takara's Bowlingual dog translator with Tomy's canine camera, they've come up with something that, well, shows they want to be another me-too electronics company. The TakaraTomy Nano Channel, one of the first new products from the combined company, is a fairly average digital audio player, available in capacities from 128MB to 1GB, with MP3 and WMA compatibility, along with MPEG-1 and 2 video playback on its 1.2-inch display. The 1GB version is expected to sell for ¥17,000 (about $145), which isn't a bad price, but we still feel cheated. Given the combined heritage of these two companies, this thing should at least be totally kawaii, or have some bizarre gimmick like 3D video that can only be seen by cats. Oh, well. At least we still have Thanko.

Creative MuVo S200 with PLED Display

Creative MuVo S200 with PLED Display: "Creative added another flash player to its MuVo line-up called S200. The Creative MuVo S200 features a PLED display that uses less power than OLED displays, but is still very bright. Find out more about PLEDs at One Stop Displays, a maker of PLED di..."

Korean Air Force looking for a few good gamers

Korean Air Force looking for a few good gamers: "Filed under: Gaming


Turns out the American military isn't the only fighting force looking to those with gaming skillz to fill its ranks. South Korea's Air Force is looking to recruit a handful of pro gamers to help improve training programs. After boot camp, the gamers will be assigned to a special office where they'll help develop flight and battle sims. While in the military, they'll still be able to compete in online tournaments, but won't be allowed to play for money. However, given that Korea has mandatory military service for men over 20, these guys would have to gear up in green anyhow, and now they'll know upfront that any battlefield they land on will be strictly virtual.

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Samsung's YP-Z5 comes in 1GB, on pre-order

Samsung's YP-Z5 comes in 1GB, on pre-order: "Filed under: Portable Audio In case Samsung's nano-lookalike designed by an ex-Apple employee in 2GB and 4GB sizes YP-Z5 lost your attention, it might interest you to know that it's now officially available for pre-order, and has a 1GB flavor too. Ahem. Samsung's never gonna beat Apple at their own game if they keep making devices , but you've got to kind of admire their guts for such blatant me-toomanship, especially in their pricing: 4GB for $250, 2GB for $200, and 1GB for $150.[