24th September 2007 Archive

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Virgin unplugs music download service

Apple 1, Branson 0

Virgin has closed Virgin Digital, its Windows Media-based alternative to Apple's iTunes. It stopped selling one-off downloads on Friday, though subscribers will still have access to their collections until their next monthly payment is due. After that, their songs will no longer be playable, thanks to the limitations placed …

Media players 24 Sep 2007, 06:05
Crysis demo delayed

Crytek has put back the release of the demo version of Crysis, the eagerly anticipated PC-based first-person shooter that DirectX 10 graphics cards owners are all keen to try. Crytek's Crysis Originally due to be posted online on 25 September, the Crysis demo will now appear over a month later, on 26 October. The reason? …

PCs 24 Sep 2007, 08:49
Apple turns to Orange in France

Mobile operator wins iPhone deal

When is an Apple an Orange? When it's an iPhone it would seem, with the mobile operator winning the French rights to sell the Apple device. As widely expected France Telecom will start marketing Apple's iPhone in France through Orange, its wireless arm. The two parties announced the deal on Thursday following announcements of …

Phones 24 Sep 2007, 09:09
LEGO-like Halo 3 figures land in UK

Pack includes 'invisible' Master Chief

We all thought LEGO's Star Wars figures were the acme of geek-friendly toys, but with Halo 3 about to roll - officially at least - something even better's just arrived in the UK: LEGO-style Master Chief models. Medicom's Halo 3 Kubricks: full metal jacket? The pack of four 2.5in figures - standard Spartan green; network- …

Gadgets and Gizmos 24 Sep 2007, 09:39
Toshiba readies Cell-based graphics engine

Watch out, Nvidia, here comes... er... SpursEngine

Toshiba will next week formally announce a processor based on the Cell chip that sits inside each Sony PlayStation 3 games console. The new CPU will be pitched not only at consumer electronics kit but set head-to-head with today's PC and Mac graphics chips. To be fair to Nvidia, AMD and co., Toshiba's October announcement …

Bits 'n' Chips 24 Sep 2007, 10:31
OLPC to offer consumers $400 two-laptop bundle

One for you, one for them

The group behind the third-world oriented $100 (ish) laptop will also offer consumers in developed countries the chance to buy its machine later this year. OLPC's XO laptop Dubbed Give 1 Get 1, the programme will run from 12 November and allow consumers to purchase two of the OLPC organisation's XO laptops, one for …

PCs 24 Sep 2007, 10:46
Energizer powers-up iPod pack

And the beat goes on...

Leaving the house and realising you've only got five minutes of iPod juice left is like running out of petrol on the motorway. But, while battery company Energizer can't do anything about the latter, it has developed an instant power source for mobile music fans. Energizer's Energi To Go: recharging with non-rechargeable …

Gadgets and Gizmos 24 Sep 2007, 11:55
Apple iPhone

2007's Top Products The web in the palm of your hand

We've already reviewed Apple's iPhone, so why are we taking another look? There are several reasons. First, a different reviewer means a different opinion. That applies to any product, of course, but Apple's claim that the iPhone is "revolutionary" perhaps justifies an alternative appraisal. Second, the first review was of a …

Phones 24 Sep 2007, 13:50
Samsung, Armani launch designer vibro phone

Suits you, sir

Samsung and fashion label Armani have kicked off their recently announced partnership with the launch of a credit-card sized handset that sports a user interface with a vibro-feedback feature. Samsung's P520: a technical masterpiece? The SGH-P520 measures 8.8 x 5.4 x 0.9cm and has a touch-sensitive 2.6in LCD display, with …

Phones 24 Sep 2007, 16:02
Starbucks to give away 50m iTunes songs

I'll have a latte, danish and slice of Bob Dylan please

Since their announcement earlier this month, Apple and Starbucks haven’t said much about plans to make the iTunes Music Store available over Wi-Fi in the coffee giant's branches. Now we know why though, because Starbucks is to launch the service in the USA by giving away 50m free songs. Apple's iPhone: will be able to …

Media players 24 Sep 2007, 16:04
A new spin on portable DVD players

Not very handy though

If you don't mind running the risk of having your fingers sliced off while watching a film, then this portable DVD player (PDP) could be the ultimate concept design for you. Designer Yeon-Shin Seung has created a gadget with a roll-up display, but without a cover to protect users from the 1600rpm disc. Stage one: slide open …

Gadgets and Gizmos 24 Sep 2007, 16:16