Pioneer Electronics announced four new Elite A/V receivers yesterday – the Elite SC-25, SC-27, VSX-21TXH, and VSX-23TXH. Here’s the low down on the four new models:

Elite SC-25:

• Compatible with iPhone
• 7 Channel A/V receiver
• ICEpower Class D Amplification
• AIR Studios Monitor Sound Tuning Certification
• 140 Watts x 7 Direct Energy ICEpower Amplification
• Stereo Power: 140W x 2 (20Hz - 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms)
• (13+1) Modes Advanced Surround Modes
• 192 kHz / 24-bit Analog to Digital conversion
• 192 kHz / 24-bit Wolfson WM8740 DAC
• Networking Entertainment featuring streaming Internet Radio, Rhapsody*, SIRIUS* and more.
• 3-D Space Frame Construction with an ultra rigid trans-stabilizer
• 48-Bit Deep Color and x.v. Color capabilities
• PureCinema I/P conversion
• 5 HDMI inputs with one in the front
• Dual parallel HDMI outputs
• 3 Component video inputs
• Audio and photo streaming from your PC through an existing home network
• 3-Zone Multi-Zone and Source (A/V)
• Measures 16.56″ x 7.92″ x 18.12″ and weighs 40 lbs

Elite SC-27:

• Compatible with iPhone
• 7 Channel Receiver
• Direct Energy HD amplifier with ICEpower Class-D technology
• THX Ultra2 PLUS
• Burr-Brown Sampling Rate Converter
• 48-Bit Deep Color and x.v. Color capabilities
• AIR Studios Monitor Sound Tuning Certification
• HDMI Ver. 1.3a (5 Inputs / 1 Output Including Front HDMI Input)
• Standard definition upscaling to1080p
• Surround power - 140W x 7 (20Hz - 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms, All Channels Driven)
• Stereo power - 140W x 2 (20Hz - 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms)
• (13+1) advanced surround modes
• 192 kHz / 24-bit analog to digital conversion
• 192 kHz / 24-bit Wolfson WM8740 DAC
• Multi-Channel PQLS for Near Jitter-free Audio Transmission
• Measures 16.56″ x 7.92″ x 18.12″ and weighs 40 lbs

Elite VSX-21TXH:

• Compatible with iPhone
• 7 Channel Receiver
• Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and THX Select2 PLUS
• Direct Energy Class A/B amplifier
• Advanced Sound Retriever-Multi (ASR) technology
• 2-Channel PQLS (Precision Quartz Lock System
• Surround power - 110W x 7 (20Hz - 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms, All Channels Driven)
• Stereo power - 110W x 2 (20Hz - 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms)
• (13+1) Surround modes
• HDMI (4 Inputs / 1 Output) with 48-bit Deep Color and x.v.Color
• 192 kHz / 24-bit analog to digital conversion
• Wolfson DAC
• Front Panel USB Memory Audio and Photo Playback (MP3, WMA, JPEG)
• Measures 16.56″ x 6.84″ x 17.04″ and weighs 36 lbs

Elite VSX-23TXH:

• Compatible with iPhone
• 7 channel receiver
• 3 zone A/V distribution
• PQLS Multi-channel Surround (Precision Quartz Lock System
• HDMI (5 Inputs / 2 Outputs Including Front HDMI Input)
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Decoding
• Surround power - 110W x 7 (20Hz - 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms, All Channels Driven)
• Stereo power - 110W x 2 (20Hz - 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms)
• (13+1) advanced surround modes
• 192 kHz / 24-bit analog to digital conversion
• Wolfson DAC
• Measures 16.56″ x 6.84″ x 17.04″ and weighs 37 lbs

The Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH and VSX-23TXH will begin shipping in July 2009 for the suggested retail prices of $700 and $900, respectively. Pioneer’s Elite SC-25TXH and SC-27 are shipping in August 2009 with the suggested retail prices of $1700 and $2000, respectively.

Technorati Tags: Pioneer Electronic, Elite SC-25, Elite SC-27, Elite VSX-21TXH, Elite VSX-23TXH.

While it’s still not clear whether the Apple iPhone 3G/3G S is suffering from overheating problems, Apple has revealed that there is a temperature warning message that will pop up under certain conditions. When these conditions are met, a message will come up stating:

“Low- or high-temperature conditions might temporarily shorten battery life or cause the device to temporarily stop working properly”

So what might trigger this message?  Here’s a couple of scenarios:

• Operating the iPhone under high heat conditions where temps can exceed 113 degrees F. (yeah..so don’t leave that iPhone inside a parked card under the windshield ok?)
• Using CPU intensive app while in direct sunlight could also cause temps to rise quickly
• And on the other extreme, try not to keep the iPhone in cold conditions. Don’t store it in a location at –4 degrees F or use it under 0 degrees F.. (so wait.. we can’t use our phones in the cold winter when we’re stuck in the middle of a snow storm? crap).

So what happens if the iPhone exceeds these temps?

• iPhone may stop charging
• Display might get dim
• May experience weak cellular signal
• and of course.. that temperature warning message will pop up

Of course, there’s no mention of white iPhones changing color because of overheating..

[Check it out via PC Magazine]

Technorati Tags: Apple iPhone temperature warning message

Sony Europe introduces two new compact home audio systems – the NAS-Z200iR and the CMT-Z100iR – both of which feature a built-in iPod dock, a slot-loading CD player, a USB port, and PC streaming capabilities. Here’s the low down on the two new compact, minimalistic systems.

NAS-Z200iR:

• DLNA certified
• Wi-Fi networking
• Access your music library on your PC
• Internet Radio support
• Remote control with 3.5 inch LCD color display, friendly user interface, and rechargeable battery
• Integrated CD player with support for audio CD and CD-R/RW discs with MP3 tracks
• USB connectivity for digital music player
• Audio-in port
• AM/FM tuner
• Two independent speaker enclosures rated at 20 watts apiece
• Wall mountable

CMT-Z100iR:

• Available in glossy black or white
• iPod dock
• Integrated CD player
• USB connectivity for digital music player
• AM/FM tuner
• Audio-in port
• Two speakers rated at 20 watts apiece
• Remote control
• Large display which shows the time and selected function
• Wall mountable

The CMT-Z100iR will be available in Europe starting in July while the NAS-Z200iR will be available in mid-September. No word on pricing.

[Check it out via Ubergizmo]

Technorati Tags: Sony, CMT-Z100iR, NAS-Z200iR, Audio System, iPod docking station

Here’s a nifty gift for that Star Wars fan-boy/girl in your life. It’s the LEGO Star Wars Magnet Set featuring Darth Vader, a Snowtrooper, and a Shadow Trooper – all for $14.99. Yup.. have Vader stare at you every time you get a drink from the fridge.

Not a fan of those characters? No problem – there are several other magnet sets available including a Clone Wars Magnet Set consisting of Yoda, Mace Windu, and Count Dooku and a set consisting of Chewbacca, Vader, and Obi-wan. You’ll also find a slew of other LEGO related Star Wars toys and accessories here. Enjoy!

Via 7Gadgets.com, Ubergizmo

Technorati Tags: LEGO, LEGO Star Wars Magnet Set

Here’s another bit of T-Mobile related news. Fans of the somewhat outdated Windows Mobile-based T-Mobile Dash will be happy to hear that the new T-Mobile Dash 3G handset will be available starting on July 8th for a price of $169.99 along with a new two year contract.

Announced back on the 17th, the HTC designed Dash 3G features:

• Windows Mobile 6.1
• Glossy black finish with red accents
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• Trackball
• GPS
• Personal and business email
• 3G and 802.11 b/g connectivity

CNET has a review of the new Dash 3G here on their website and has this to say about the new handset:

“Long overdue, the T-Mobile Dash 3G is a worthy upgrade to its predecessor with the addition of such features as 3G support, GPS, and an updated design.”

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: T-Mobile Dash 3G, Windows Mobile Smartphone

Whoops – missed this one last week. T-Mobile USA announced the upcoming availability of the T-Mobile myTouch 3G – the follow-up Android-based handset to the popular T-Mobile G1. Designed by HTC, the myTouch 3G features a 3.2 inch HVGA touch-screen display, a virtual keyboard, a 3.2 megapixel camera, a music player, a pre-installed 4GB microSD memory card, and enhanced video capabilities for easier recording and sharing of pictures and videos.

As with the original G1, the myTouch 3G comes with deep integration of Google services as well as the latest Android software platform. You’ll have access to the thousands of Android applications currently available and you’ll also have access to the Geodelic application called “Sherpa”.

Here’s what T-Mobile had to say about “Sherpa”:

“Sherpa features GENIE (Geodelic ENgine for Interest Evaluation), a learning engine that automatically customizes itself to the user’s preferences. Through behavior and user feedback, the application learns a person’s likes and dislikes, prioritizing recommended retailers, restaurants and attractions. Seamlessly blending behavior recognition, a recommendation engine and location relevant information, this combination of learning is exclusive to Sherpa and unlike any experience currently on the market.”

Other notable features include:

• Multi-tasking capabilities
• One-touch access to Google services including Google Search by Voice, Google Maps with Street View, YouTube, and Picasa
• Personal and Corporate email
• IM support including Google Talk, AOL, Yahoo Messenger, and Windows Live Messenger

The myTouch 3G will be available for pre-order for current T-Mobile customers starting on July 8th for a price of $199.99 along with a new two year agreement.

One final note. This is NOT the new HTC Hero that was announced last week.. yes.. the Hero makes the myTouch 3G look a bit outdated doesn’t it?

[Check out the press release]

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: T-Mobile, T-Mobile myTouch 3G, Android Handset

Seriously now.. do we really need that fine of a control over a simple shower? Do we really need gadgets to infiltrate that last great bastion of the home – the bathroom? Sigh.. I suppose so.

With that said, here is the Hansgrohe RainBrain Smart Shower touchpad unit. With this device in place, you’ll have complete control over your shower experience – from controlling the water temperature, to changing the water stream type, to even the lighting and music. Yes.. your showers will be … well pleasurable.

[Check it out via DVICE.com]

Technorati Tags: Hansgrohe RainBrain Smart Shower

Dell adds a new stylish, compact notebook to their business-oriented Vostro product lineup called the Vostro 1220. Sporting a 12.1 inch display, the Vostro 1220 has a starting weight of around 3.36 lbs, comes with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors and clocks in up to 9 hours of battery life on a 6 cell battery.

Here are some of the initial packages available for the Vostro 1220:

Vostro 1220 Base Package with a starting price of $799 includes:

• Intel Celeron 900 processor (clocked at 2.2 GHz)
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• DVD burner
• 2GB RAM
• 160GB 5400RPM SATA HDD
• Intel X4500MHD graphics
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Digital mic with webcam
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• 6 cell battery

Vostro 1220 Business Package with a starting price of $899

• Intel Core 2 Duo T6670 Clocked at 2.1 GHz
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• DVD burner
• 3GB RAM
• 250GB 7200RPM SATA HDD
• Intel X4500MHD graphics
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Digital mic with webcam
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• 6 cell battery

Vostro 1220 Ultimate Performance Package with a starting price of $1029

• Intel Core 2 Duo T6670 Clocked at 2.1 GHz
• Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit
• DVD burner
• 4GB RAM
• 320GB 7200RPM SATA HDD
• Intel X4500MHD graphics
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Digital mic with webcam
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• 6 cell battery

The Vostro 1220 is available now worldwide.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Dell Vostro 1220

It’s official. The new BlackBerry Tour will go on sale to Verizon Wireless customers starting on July 12th. The Tour will be available for $199.99 along with a new 2 year contract.

Here’s a quick refresher to the Tour:

• Measures 112 x 62 x 14.2 mm and weighs 130 grams
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• 2.44 inch 480 x 360 resolution display with 245 ppi – highest resolution available on a BlackBerry smartphone
• 3.2 MP camera with flash, variable zoom, image stabilization, autofocus and video recording
• Full HTML web browser, including support for streaming audio and video (RTSP)
• Advanced media player for videos, pictures and music
• 3.5 mm stereo headset jack
• 256MB Flash memory
• microSD/SDHC memory card slot
• Built-in GPS with support for geotagging, BlackBerry Maps and other location based applications and services
• BlackBerry Media Sync allows customers to quickly and easily synch music from iTunes and Windows Media Player with the smartphone
• Voice activated dialing, enhanced background noise cancellation, a low-distortion speakerphone, and Bluetooth (2.0) support for hands-free use with headsets, car kits, stereo headsets and other Bluetooth peripherals
• Removable and rechargeable 1400 mAhr battery for 5 hours of talk time and 14 days of standby time

Again – the Tour will be available for purchase online and in-stores starting on July 12th. You can pre-order the Tour now by going to http://estore.vzwshop.com/bbtour/.

[Check it out via Boy Genius Report]

Technorati Tags: BlackBerry Tour, Verizon Wireless

Shuttle newest all-in-one PC, the touch-screen enabled X50, is now available for purchase in a barebones model. The barebones system is ideal for users who want total control over configuration options as well as operating system options (Windows vs Linux etc). The X50 is powered by a built-in dual core Intel Atom 330 processor and comes with a 15.6 inch touch-screen display along with an easy-to-use carry handle on top.

The barebones version of the X50 features:

• Atom 330 processor on-board
• Support for up to 2GB RAM
• Intel 945GC + ICH7
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Support for 2.5 inch hard drives
• 65W power adapter
• Single touch 15.6″ 16:9 Wide Panel, 1366 x 768 pixel display
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Microphone
• 4 in 1 card reader
• 3 USB ports
• audio line-in/out
• microphone
• 2 x 2W stereo speakers
• measures 15.4 x 9.3 x 1.4 inches and weighs 3.6 kgs

Provantage currently offers a Windows version of the X50 for $634.48, a Linux version for $543.45, and the barebones version for $432.41.

Via Technabob

Technorati Tags: Shuttle, X50 All-in-one PC