Microsoft Windows… Literally

Take a look out the closest window to you right now. What do you see? Odds are that it looks nothing like your PC’s desktop, unless you took a picture of the scenery yourself and placed it as the desktop design manually. How would you like to make Microsoft Windows a more aptly literal translation of the word itself?
Designed by John Nouanesing, the Fenestra 3.1 Window replicates the background of your Windows Microsoft machine. Microsoft, where everyday is a sunny day! While Nouanesing might be a little behind in the times with this design, he promises an XP (still behind) version is w
For now, these Fanestra Windows are still in the conceptual stage, but the designer promises that by the end of the year they will be available for purchase from his website. No word yet if there will be a similar blue screen version, which sadly enough, would make sense.
Source via Trend Hunter

Apple and Sony’s Newest Idea: Viewing Goggles

We have covered viewing goggles like the Vuzix iWear and myvu before, and these have yet to catch on to the general populace. Maybe it’s the way they look, because no one wants to walk around looking like Cyclops from the X-men films.
There is a rumor going about that Apple is working to change the portable viewing arena with some fancy goggles that will allow portable viewing of video files. These video files can be taken off of an iPod or other Portable Media Player (PMP).
I have even heard that electronics giant Sony is working in partnership with Apple to perfect the technology of the screen inside the goggles. Of course, I really don’t have any validation of these rumors, other than the source I have listed below. I’m surprised all the other gadget blogs aren’t abuzz about it. Maybe they will be by the time this posts.
Well, if anyone can bring the portable video viewing market to its full potential, it’s Apple. I seem to recall a certain MP3 Player market that didn’t exist about five years ago until Mr. Jobs stepped in with a certain iPod device that is now synonymous with MP3 Players as Kleenex is to tissue.
I suppose we will need to wait and see what the future brings as far as this rumor is concerned, as well as the future of portable video watching.
Source

Nokia Announces The 8800 Carbon Arte

Nokia has expanded the 8800 Arte series of upper class mobile phones with the launch of 8800 Carbon Arte. It is engineered from carbon fibre, titanium, polished glass and stainless steel and it is for individuals who appreciate uncompromising high performance and are willing to spend big bucks for it.
Keeping with the tradition of the Nokia 8800 Arte range, each detail of the Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte is carefully considered to enhance the premium value and quality of the device. The slide mechanism, slide mechanism and impressive weight of the phone all feature throughout the Nokia 8800 Arte line. It comes with 3.2 megapixel auto focus camera and high quality audio, the Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte has a stunning OLED display and built-in memory that has been expanded from previous offerings in the range to 4 GB. It also offers 3G capabilities. The Nokia’s anti-fingerprint coating which it has reduces smudges on metal and glass and unsightly outer seams are hidden by a unique all-in-one microUSB connector. The 8800 Carbon Arte brings a unique tap-for-time feature. This allows users to simply tap twice under the phone’s display, on the steel surface, when they want a clock to be seen on screen. Its background images can “organically change”, offering different ones during the day.
Nokia’s new 8800 Carbon Arte comes with a set of exclusive accessories, including: a leather pouch, an elegant desk stand and a “Bluetooth touch-sensitive volume control headset”. The 8800 Carbon Arte will have a high retail price of around $1,615 without taxes and subsidies. The fashionable and expensive handset is scheduled to hit the market by the end of September.

Boston Acoustics i-DS2 iPod Speaker System

Boston Acoustics, Inc. is back with a brand new iPod speaker system - the i-DS2. Compatible with just about any modern iPod, this stylish and compact solution aims to bring the house down (or at least, your living room) thanks to its stereo sound capability along with integrated 3.5″ full-range speakers that pump out around 60 watts of dynamic power. Boston Acoustics claim that the Horizon i-DS2 will feature deep and power bass to accompany its crisp clean stereo sound. Not only does it enhance the surroundings with pleasant music of your choice whenever you have guests drop by, it also doubles up as an iPod charger when docked, making sure your iPod remains fully juiced up before you step out of the door and head out each morning.
The Boston Acoustics Horizon i-DS2 iPod Speaker System features a hip and compact (5 ½” x 12 ¾” x 5 13/16”) one-piece design geared toward the needs of today’s design-conscious, music-everywhere oriented consumer. With its appealing high gloss cabinet design and perforated metal front grille, the i-DS2 combines contemporary design with extraordinary performance. To ensure the highest quality audio performance, the i-DS2 features an acoustically tuned chamber for maximum bass response. For total flexibility, the universal iPod dock accommodates any model iPod, and the ergonomically designed “mini remote” gives users easy “across the room” access to familiar iPod commands. The Horizon i-DS2 features a composite video output that also lets users show off photos and videos from any video-capable iPod on their TV. In addition, a USB connector allows for iPod communication with iTunes and an auxiliary input allows connections to other media players as well.
You can choose from gloss black or gloss white where the $179.99 Horizon i-DS2 iPod Speaker System is concerned.
Press Release

Casio PCP-1200 Printer with touch screen

Casio has released the latest digital photo printer PCP-1200. This printer is different from others as it has a 7 inch wide touch screen and a keyboard which allows users to prints text on post card size prints.
The PCP-1200 also prints photo from digital camera, mobile phones and memory cards. It is compatible with CF, Memory Stick / PRO / Duo / PRO Duo, xD-Picture Card, SDHC / SD Memory Card, MMC. Optional adapter will allow the miniSDHC / SD Memory Card, microSDHC / SD Memory Cards to join the team.
Besides text printing, it also comes with built in stamps like-heart, star etc, more than 60 stamps to choose from. With this printer, you can prints a variety of cards ~ greeting, birthday, funny, post card and more.
The Casio photo printer PCP-1200 measures 251 × 130 × 151mm and weighs about 2.3 kg. It is available in Japan for approximately ¥55,000 ($500).

[via FarEastGizmo]

USB Hub with Card Reader

Besides providing you the extra USB ports for you to shove in your gadgets, this USB Hub comes with MicroSD / M2 card reader also. It is fully compliant with USB2.0 and backwards compatible with USB 1.1. Maximum transferring speed will be 480 Mbps. It has bright and colorful design and the joints are rotary and can be formed different shapes. This USB hub is available at $11.73.

iPhone version 2.0.2 update

There are complaints about dropped calls and spotty wireless broadband connectivity for the new iPhone 3G. Yeah, remember that commercial vs reality? On Monday evening’s Apple has released the iPhone version 2.0.2 firmware update to fix it.
The iPhone 2.0.2 software update “improved communication with 3G networks,” said Apple spokeswoman Jennifer Bowcock.
The firmware update is available through iTunes.
[via Yahoo News]