Here’s further prood that the Apple iPod rules the world of digital music. Nike and Apple have teamed together to unveiled a new line of products designed to bring together Nike products with Apple iPod music players. The new lineup is called Nike + iPod and it includes products such as the newly announced Nike+iPod Sports Kit, Nike+ sneakers, and Nike+ apparel and accessories. The initial product to come out is the Nike+iPod Sports Kit which is a wireless system designed to allow your Nike+ enabled neakers to communicate wirelessly to your iPod nano. With the connection in place, your iPod nano can store information such as time, distance, calories burned, and pace - important information for runners all around.  The first sneaker to sport this capability will be the Nike+ Air Zoom Moire. The kit will cost you $29 dollars while the Zoom  Moire will set you back $129.

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The first pictures of MIT’s 100 dollar laptop has come out on Flickr and you can find them here. The laptop, which was a working prototype, was demoed at the Seven Countries Task Force Meeting. These laptops are part of MIT’s One Laptop Per Child program intent on making sure everyone has the ability to gain computing power - especially in underdeveloped countries.

 

[Check it out via Gizmowatch.com]

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MobileBurn has posted up a review of the absolutely gorgeous Motorola PEBL U6 mobile phone here on their website. I have to say that I’ve had a thing for this clamshell phone. Perhaps it’s the shape.. perhaps it’s the rounded soft corners.. or perhaps it’s just the colors. Whatever it is, it’s just a cool phone to look at isn’t it? So what are the specs though?

• Dual hinge mechanism
• MPEG4 video capture
• Bluetooth support
• Motorola SCREEN3 technology
• Integrated VGA digital camera with picture caller ID
• Mail support
• Downloadable games
• Speaker independent voice dial
• voice memo

Here’s the verdict:

 So if you are in the market for a cool phone that handles voice calls nicely, as well as has a few other features like Bluetooth and speaker independent voice dialing, the Motorola PEBL U6 could be for you. I give it a “Highly Recommended” rating.

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Yesterday was a momentous day for Microsoft as they announced three beta releases of three major product lines - Windows Vista, Windows Longhorn Server, and Office 2007. All three products are at the beta 2 release point which marks the first time ever that these products were at the same point in their development cycle. Of course this does not mean that Office 2007, Windows Vista, and Windows Longhorn Server will come out at the same time but it’s cool for developers nevertheless.

So if you’re an MSDN subscriber or you are part of the beta program for any of these applications, check them out. I downloaded and installed Windows Vista Beta 2 last night on my main machine (how brave huh?) and it’s pretty cool folks. I’ll publish some pictures and thoughts over the coming weeks - especially with regards to Windows Media Center which I’m sure many of you are interested in hearing more about.

In the meantime, here are some articles for you to peruse through.

[Common code base for Vista, Longhorn Server on News.com]

[Microsoft unveils new betas for Office, Vista on News.com]

[Inside Windows Vista Beta 2 on PC Magazine]

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You know, one of these days, I’m going to have to seriously consider getting a large capacity NAS (network attached storage) box for my home network. Why you might ask? I need a large system to store all of my media which ranges from music to videos to photographs. Right now, I have a small Shuttle XPC unit acting as a file server which seems like a bit of waste sometimes especially since I could be using the computer to do other activities around the home. One of the boxes I’ve been contemplating is the Iomega StorCenter 1TB NAS as reviewed by ExtremeTech here. The system is designed for home and small business users and includes wireless networking support. The system measures 6.8 x 7.4 x 11 inches and weighs 12.8 lbs - lighter than previous models. Inside, you get four 250GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 PATA Hard Drives.. NICE. You  get 10/100/1000 Ethernet support as well as a dual antenna wireless 802.11g support for both 64 bit and 128 bit WEP security. So what does ExtremeTech think of this device?

With built-in wireless and wired Ethernet support, the StorCenter 1TB makes sharing data easy and affordable for homes and small businesses. If you already have a wireless network or need more performance, check out the Buffalo TeraStation Home Server.

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PC Magazine has posted up a review of a new unique mobile phone designed for MySpace.com folks out there. It’s called the Hero and it’s made by a new company called Helio. Helio is yet another mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) similar to Amp’d and Mobile ESPN. MVNO’s purchase time from one of the four major network operators and then resell it back out to you folks. What makes the Hero different is the included (and exclusive) WAP MySpace client which makes it easy for you to log in and connect with others on the social network. Other features on the phone include a 320 x 240 screen, speakerphone, CDMA support, 2 megapixel digital camera, MicroSD card support, built in MP3/AAC player, and gaming support. Here’s the verdict from PC Magazine:

The Helio Hero is a good, powerful phone for MySpace fanatics, but other folks will find it a tough sell.

[Check it out]

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If you’ve been eyeing that Bose SoundDock for some time  but weren’t happy with the white finish, well guess what? Bose now offers the speaker system in black also. Now the SoundDock can match the color of your Apple iPod - whether it’s white or black. Everything else is still the same. You get a system that uses Bose’s proprietary acoustic design,  a docking cradle for the iPod, and an infrared remote control. The system is available for $299.

 

[Check it out via GearLive]

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As expected, Verizon Wireless and Motorola jointly announced the introduction and availability of the new Motorola Q smartphone. The ultra thin device designed to compete against the likes of Blackberry and Treos will be available starting on May 31st - that’s when you can purchase it online. You’ll be able to purchase it in stores starting on June 5th.

Some of the major features on the Q include:

• Integrated Bluetooth 1.2 support
• EV-DO support
• Wireless sync support
• 11.5 mm thick
• QWERTY keyboard
• Windows Mobile 5.0 OS
• Dual stereo quality speakers
• Integrates easily with existing IT systems
• Enabled for leading corporate email solutions

As far as pricing, it’s clear that Motorola intends on taking business away from Palm and others. If you’re not a VW customer, you can get the phone for as low as $199 after a 100 dollar instant credit and a two year customer agreement.

 

[Check it out]

 

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TiVo has launched a new service called TiVo Guru Guide recommendations. Guru Guides are basically virtual television channels which feature shows recommended by editorial experts in a specific category. These experts (or shall we call them “gurus”?) post up their show recommendations for specific categories such as sports, films, music, etc. You can then pick and choose the shows you’d like to record from these Gurus. This is an awesome idea for people who can’t decide what shows they’d like to record on their TiVo’s. It’d be interesting to see if TiVo can make sure they stay objective in their picks and not be swayed by say…. money from a broadcasting company to make sure someone picks their show. Guru Guides will become available to subscribers of TiVo at no additional charge.

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I didn’t realize this (but maybe you did already) but Verizon Wireless has set up a page for the upcoming Motorola Q smartphone device here. The starting page has a video animation along with some background music. Once you go past it, you’ll see the following snapshot.

 

Some of the specs listed on the front page includes:

• 0.45 inches thick
• Thumb Wheel Scroll
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• Keyboard includes backlighting and an integrated number dial pad akin to the Treo 700w
• 1.3 megapixel digital camera
• High resolution video camera
• Email capable

Despite the fact that the product is late, I’m somewhat excited about the unveiling which will probably take place this week - mostly because the Treo 700w has been so underwhelming to me thus far. I love the Verizon Wireless network but the 700w could have been better.

Other hints that the Q is coming out this week include:

• Accessories page for the Q at VW via Mobility Today
• Best Buy selling Motorola Q case here via Mobility Today

 

[Check it out]

 

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