By: Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

Bookshelf Speaker Line Delivers Uncompromised Home Listening Experience at an Affordable Price!

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announced its new speaker line for home theater and music reproduction, designed from the ground up by Pioneer USA’s chief speaker engineer, Andrew Jones. The entire line, featuring bookshelf (SP-BS21-LR , SP-BS41-LR ), floorstanding (SP-FS51-LR ) and center channel (SP-C21 ) speakers as well as a subwoofer (SW-8 ), is engineered to deliver exceptional audio performance, whether used as a two channel music system or a full 7.1 channel home theater system.

“Pioneer began manufacturing speakers more than 70 years ago,” said Russ Johnston, executive vice president of home entertainment and business solutions groups at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Since then, we’ve built upon decades of engineering experience and passion to craft this new line of high quality speakers that deliver high performance and exceptional quality for both music and movie sources at an attractive price point.”

Build Quality and Performance:

Typical speakers in the entry level price category utilize a low cost, flat-sided style cabinet. The entire Home Theater and Music Speaker line utilizes radio frequency bonded, curved cabinets which provide not only a distinct cosmetic look but a stiffer and stronger structure, resulting in better sound reproduction through reduced cabinet resonance.

Featuring quality components both inside and out, each speaker utilizes flush mounted grills for each driver instead of a single grill for the entire front of the cabinet. Instead of cloth, the speaker grills are made out of metal for better protection. The grills add to the cosmetic appeal of the speaker while improving its durability in both home and retail environments.

Properly Engineered:

Most entry level speakers make significant sacrifices in order to reduce cost. One of the most commonly compromised items is the speaker’s internal crossover network. Vital to the speaker’s overall performance, it splits the full range audio signal into separate frequency bands and sends them to the individual drivers optimized for those bands. The simplest crossover networks often used by other manufacturers consist of a single capacitor and inductor, but this limited, cost-driven design can leave a lot to be desired for the listener.

To improve sound quality, Pioneer’s new speaker series uses a sophisticated multi-component crossover that achieves a more accurate frequency division and a more precise re-creation of sound. All speakers in the line also feature gold plated 5-way binding posts that provide superior conductivity and flexible connection methods.

“It brings me great pleasure to pursue high sound quality across all the different levels of products we make. It’s a challenge and a reward to be able to achieve such high performance at this price point,” said Jones.

Packaging: 

A first for Pioneer, the speaker packaging features a Quick Response (QR) Code, a unique barcode which consists of black modules in a square shape on white background. For instant information on the product while at a retail store, consumers can scan the image with a smartphone equipped with a barcode reader app, and will be automatically directed to a YouTube video of Andrew Jones discussing the process and philosophy of the new speaker line. The new packaging also provides additional information on Pioneer’s rich audio heritage, proper room setup and is complete with Andrew Jones’s signature. The packaging also contains descriptions in English, Spanish and French.

The new Pioneer Home Theater and Music Speaker line is available now for suggested retail prices ranging from $79 to $199.

By: Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

Leads the Way with One of the First Universal Qi Technology Products to Market!

As consumers rely more heavily than ever on devices such as smartphones and cell phones for everything from texting and talking, to working and shopping, their demand for more power and more convenient charging options has skyrocketed. Energizer, a leader in innovative power solutions that make consumers’ lives easier, recognized this growing need and responded with the introduction of their first inductive charger built with Qi technology, the new universal charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC).

Widely anticipated and considered to be one of the most compelling new developments in charging technology, Qi (pronounced chee) will bring consumers the freedom to charge their smartphones, MP3 players, cameras – any device 5 Watts or less – on a single charging station, regardless of manufacturer.

“We believe that a universal standard is the future of charging, and by leading the way with one of the first Qi products – the Energizer Inductive Charger – we are meeting a clear need for a product that makes charging devices easier by eliminating cords and clutter,” said Jim Olsen, Vice President of Marketing for Energizer North America. “This next generation charger is a natural extension of an innovative product portfolio that brings more freedom for people to live and to work using power that’s reliable and convenient.”

According to market research firm iSuppli, Corp., shipments of electronic products with wireless charging capability are anticipated to increase from 3.6 million units in 2010, to 234.9 million units in 2014. An open, standardized system will create a healthier competitive environment and prompt manufacturers to join forces.* The WPC had this very goal of global compatibility in mind when they formed an international group of more than 55 companies to develop this universal standard.

“The WPC and dedicated members like Energizer have been hard at work developing and testing this universal standard, and we are honored to have a brand with the global reach of Energizer as one of the first to market with a Qi inductive charger,” said Menno Treffers, Chairman of the Wireless Power Consortium. “They are helping to establish and educate about Qi and drive adoption, benefiting consumers and the industry as a whole.”

Designed in cooperation with WPC co-founder ConvenientPower, the first generation of the Energizer Inductive Charger is designed to conveniently charge up to three devices at one time. It features two large inductive charging zones that don’t require locking the device into a precise position, so consumers can simply set down their phone and be sure that it will be charged and ready to go. It also has a USB port so it’s easy to charge an additional device such as a phone, headset, mp3 player, camera or GPS. Two LED charge lights indicate that the device is charging.

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The Energizer Inductive Charger will be introduced with a Qi Sleeve for the iPhone 3GS/3G and a one-time replacement Qi Door for the BlackBerry Curve 8900, so consumers can enjoy the convenience of Qi right away. Soon, consumers can expect to have Qi built right into many of their devices.

“As one of the first to market with a Qi device, we want to make it easy for consumers to experience how easy and convenient it is to charge their devices using this new universal standard,” added Olsen. “We focused on accessories for popular smartphones, but anticipate that it will not be long before manufacturers roll-out devices with Qi built right in.”

The Energizer Inductive Charger will be available at retail this October. Suggested retail price is $89. The removable Qi sleeve for the iPhone 3GS/3G and the Qi door for the BlackBerry Curve 8900 will be sold separately for $34.99 each.

For more information, visit www.energizer.com/inductive, www.energizer.com, http://www.facebook.com/EnergizerBunny, http://www.facebook.com/Energizer.

By: Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

• Nation’s First Pay-As-You-Go 4G Mobile Broadband Service
• Unlimited Usage for Just $5/day, $20/week, $50/month
• Redefines “Friends with Benefits” with Rover Puck
• Rover Stick Available for Those With Commitment Issues

Clearwire Corporation today unveiled Rover: the nation’s first pay-as-you-go 4G mobile broadband service for tech-savvy Gen Y customers. The Rover brand is designed for digitally addicted youth who refuse to settle for long-term contracts, overpriced internet service, or speeds slower than what they’ve become accustomed to at home.

Rover is available in all of Clearwire’s 49 4G markets across the U.S. at rover.com. Rover is also available at CLEAR stores, Best Buy stores and select independent wireless dealers in Houston and St. Louis.

“Simple, commitment-free wireless services are wildly popular with the Gen Y crowd, and Rover provides them with the first pay-as-you-go unlimited mobile internet offering at 4G speeds,” said Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer for Clearwire. “We’ve built Rover from the ground up with products, pricing and features designed specifically to serve a younger market who knows how you get connected is just as important as where. Expanding our offers to meet this underserved segment is an important new business opportunity for Clearwire as we continue to extend our leadership in mobile broadband.”

“The opportunity for pay-as-you-go mobile broadband should not be underestimated,” said Carrie MacGillvray, program manager and wireless analyst at IDC. “Prepaid – or pay-as-you-go – data provides an option for consumers to experiment with the power of mobile broadband without being saddled with a two-year commitment. A prepaid mobile broadband service can offer consumers the ability to access and share Internet service, at home or on the go, in an affordable way.”

PUCKS AND STICKS 

Friends with Benefits:

Rover’s flagship device is the Rover Puck: an ergonomically designed portable Wi-Fi hotspot that lets you share broadband access, or “Puck”, with up to eight devices at home, out on the town or nearly anywhere the feeling strikes you. The Rover Puck can easily slip into a purse or backpack and serve as an on-the-go broadband access point for devices such as laptops, netbooks, the iPad, the iPod touch, smartphones, PSP systems, game consoles, and Wi-Fi enabled digital cameras, among others. Users have the option to connect up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously.

The Rover Puck features mobile download speeds of three to six mbps, with bursts over 10 mbps (up to 4x faster than conventional 3G), using Clearwire’s 4G network. The Rover Puck is available today for $149.99 (plus tax).

Going Solo:

The Rover Stick is a personal 4G USB modem that connects any notebook, laptop or desktop to the Rover 4G Service. The Rover Stick is compatible with MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops using Mac OS X, as well as netbooks and notebooks running Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Offering the same super-fast internet speed as the Rover Puck, the Rover Stick is available today for $99.99 (plus tax).

No Commitment Issues:

New users receive two free days of service to ensure Rover’s metro-focused 4G coverage fits their mobile lifestyle. Rover has a 14-day no-hassle return policy for any device purchases made on rover.com or in CLEAR stores.

Rover is priced at $5/day, $20/week, or $50/month for unlimited 4G internet usage. Depending on the retail channel, customers will be able to purchase a Rover Re-Up PIN code or physical Rover Re-Up card in $20 or $50 denominations. Rover Re-Up is available online at rover.com, at all retail outlets carrying the Rover Puck or Rover Stick, as well as at Rover Re-Up specific retail locations. Rover does not require a credit card to activate service and is designed to bring broadband internet to a new audience.

GENERATION Y:

The Rover brand is designed for a demographic that has grown up in a wireless world. They manage their life through the internet, and their devices signify status. Rover provides products and service to meet their need for all things internet.

“Rover’s target audience has never known life without internet. They love their devices and they want as much speed and capacity as possible, without the limits and commitments of most mobile options,” said Seth Cummings, GM, Rover. “Rover offers iconic devices along with straight-forward pricing, and plans where unlimited truly means unlimited. It is not in Rover’s DNA to be constraining, confusing or complex.”

Detailed coverage maps of service availability can be found at www.rover.com/coverage.

By: Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

For big, bold sound from your music, movies and games, Logitech unveiled the THX Certified Logitech Speaker System Z623. With this 2.1 system, you’ll hear and feel immersive audio from 200 watts (RMS) of power whether you’re connecting the speakers to a PC or a TV.

“Whether you’re listening to rock music, watching a Steven Spielberg flick, or playing your favorite video game, the experience is always richer when you get engrossed in the audio,” said Mark Schneider, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s audio business unit. “That’s why we built the Logitech Speaker System Z623 – so you can lose yourself in whatever you’re into. For DVD aficionados, music enthusiasts and hardcore gamers, the Z623 system delivers powerful audio for your room. And with THX certification, you know you’re getting the best.”

So you can set up the system the way you want, Logitech includes all the inputs and cables you need to get great sound from up to three audio devices. With the RCA and 3.5 mm inputs, in addition to the built-in headphone jack, you can be set up in minutes to enjoy great sound from your computer, game console, digital music players, TV or DVD player. And to put you in command, the integrated controls on the right speaker satellite let you dial the volume and bass up or down to customize your listening experience.

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Logitech and THX – Delivering Pure Performance

To get you totally immersed in your audio, the Logitech Z623 speakers are THX Certified and professionally engineered to recreate the tonal balance of whatever you’re listening to. To qualify for THX certification, the two-satellite-and-subwoofer Z623 speaker system has to meet strict performance standards. Logitech engineers have worked closely with THX, conducting more than 400 acoustic and electrical bench tests covering frequency response, power output, distortion, noise and overall performance. For the Logitech Z623 speakers, the result is front speakers that deliver dialogue and ambient sounds so clear it’s like you’re on the set of your favorite film. And you’ll hear powerful, deep bass from your subwoofer as it recreates the roar of a jet engine or the sound of a collapsing bridge.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Speaker System Z623 is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in September for a suggested retail price of $149.99 (U.S.).

By: Bill Armstrong (Contributing Editor)

When Microsoft released its Arc mouse they showed the world that they could make pretty peripherals too. Now it appears that Microsoft is looking to add function to form with the Arc Touch. While there is no official product announcement at this time, some pictures and a few details were discovered on a popular German online store.

The Arc Touch mouse offers an easy to use curved styling, and apparently lays flat for easy packing and travel. Some speculate that the flat form serves as a stationary track pad, but that is not confirmed. Touch scroll wheel and built in battery indicator round out the features we know so far. Notebooksbilliger, the German web site in question has already removed the Arc Touch from its pages, but it did list the item at ¢69.99, with a ship window of about 1 to 2 weeks. Hopefully this is a good omen that we will be playing with this one fairly soon.

via Engadget

By: Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

Electronic Arts Inc. Triple Treat Releases For The Up And Coming Seasons.

BioWare’s Action RPG Mass Effect 2 Makes PlayStation 3 Debut

The Highest Rated Game of 2010 Comes to PS3 in January 2011

Today at GamesCom, BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts Inc., announced that Mass Effect 2, the highest rated game of 2010 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and PC, is coming to the Sony PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system in January 2011. The PlayStation 3 edition will include the full Mass Effect 2 game and hours of bonus content, making this the perfect introduction to BioWare’s award-winning action RPG franchise.

Mass Effect 2 has already received over 70 perfect scores from media outlets such as the Associated Press, Eurogamer, MSNBC.com, G4TV and the Los Angeles Times, and is the highest rated game in the 15-year history of BioWare and the 28-year history of EA.

The Mass Effect franchise is an epic science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous aliens and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, PlayStation 3 players will step into the role of Commander Shepard for the very first time, leading a crew of the most dangerous special operatives from across the galaxy on a mission to save mankind. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich storyline, space exploration and emotionally engaging character interaction, Mass Effect 2 delivers an unparalleled gameplay experience.

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Mass Effect 2 will be available for the PlayStation 3 in January 2011. For more information, please visit http://masseffect.bioware.com/ and follow the development team at www.twitter.com/masseffect2 or at http://www.facebook.com/masseffect.

EA Wields Its Magic Adding Kinect Mode to Its Upcoming Harry Potter Videogame

The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment have announced that the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 videogame will have an exclusive Kinect for Xbox 360 experience with unique challenges that puts more power into players’ hands. With all of the action taking place outside of Hogwarts for the first time, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 sees Harry on the run with a horde of merciless enemies on his tail. Players will find themselves in unknown territory, far from the safety of the school grounds, fighting for survival at every turn. The new game engine, built specifically to leverage the technology of HD consoles, ensures high definition graphics and intense action gameplay on all platforms while the Kinect experience on Xbox 360 offers exclusive challenges, for either single player or two player co-op, playing as Harry, Ron or Hermione.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 is non-stop action with Harry defending himself against a host of menacing enemies,” said Jonathan Bunney, Vice President and Head of Production at EA Bright Light Studios. “Our Kinect challenges allow players to literally cast magic from the palm of their hand, completely controller free, to enhance and deepen the overall play experience; and, even better, we have enabled a special co-op mode with Kinect allowing two people to fight Death Eaters side-by-side for the first time in any Harry Potter game.”

The Kinect experience in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 gives players the ability to get closer to the action than ever before, using physical gestures to cast magic through the screen and defeat their deadly opponents. In co-op mode, the fluid targeting system and leaderboard scoring add a competitive edge to the excitement. Under development by EA Bright Light Studio, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 will be available this autumn on Kinect for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, Nintendo DS, PC, and mobile devices.

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About the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 film

Part 1 begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort’s immortality and destruction—the Horcruxes. On their own, without the guidance of their professors or the protection of Professor Dumbledore, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever. But there are Dark Forces in their midst that threaten to tear them apart.

Meanwhile, the wizarding world has become a dangerous place for all enemies of the Dark Lord. The long-feared war has begun and Voldemort’s Death Eaters seize control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting anyone who might oppose them. But the one prize they still seek is the one most valuable to Voldemort: Harry Potter. The Chosen One has become the hunted one as the Death Eaters search for Harry with orders to bring him to Voldemort…alive.

Harry’s only hope is to find the Horcruxes before Voldemort finds him. But as he searches for clues, he uncovers an old and almost forgotten tale—the legend of the Deathly Hallows. And if the legend turns out to be true, it could give Voldemort the ultimate power he seeks.

Little does Harry know that his future has already been decided by his past when, on that fateful day, he became “the Boy Who Lived.” No longer just a boy, Harry Potter is drawing ever closer to the task for which he has been preparing since the day he first stepped into Hogwarts: the ultimate battle with Voldemort.

EA and Crytek Unveil Two Special Editions for Crysis 2

Special Editions Unlock Bonuses for Crysis 2 Multiplayer at Launch in March 2011

Electronic Arts Inc. and Crytek GmbH, Europe’s leading independent video game studio and award-winning developers of the critically acclaimed Crysis franchise, today announced two special editions for the highly anticipated first person shooter Crysis 2, the Crysis 2 Limited Edition and the Crysis 2 Nano Edition. Both editions feature premium packaging and special unlocks in the Crysis 2 multiplayer game. The Limited Edition and Nano Edition are available for pre-order now in limited quantities. EA and Crytek also announced today a closed multiplayer beta for Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system starting this fall.

The Crysis 2 Limited Edition will be available for no additional cost, while supplies last, and features four must-have in-game unlocks for the ultimate multiplayer experience:

• Bonus XP – Players will jump into multiplayer battles with an edge by starting with enough experience points to gain early access to all 5 preset class load-outs.
• SCAR Hologram Decoy – This special attachment to the SCAR will project a hologram image of the player, allowing them to confuse their opponents with the decoy.
• SCAR Weapon Skin – This digital camouflage skin will allow players to add a personalized touch to one of the more popular assault rifles in the game.
• Platinum Dog Tag – This special one-of-a-kind dog tag is one of over 250 that will be collectible in Crysis 2 multiplayer, helping to separate you from the rest of the field.

The Crysis 2 Nano Edition is designed for the ultimate Crysis fan and will include the Limited Edition housed in a steel case plus an 11” / 28 cm statue of the game’s hero “Prophet” on top of a New York taxi cab, a high-quality art book, all packaged inside a backpack modeled after the Nanosuit itself. Not available in stores, the Nano Edition is available in extremely limited quantities via pre-order only for $149.99 / £119.99 / €129.99.

Crysis 2 is one of the most anticipated games of 2011, coming out of last June’s Electronic Entertainment Expo with 25 nominations and 12 awards including “Best Shooter” from GameSpy.com and “Best Graphics” from Gamespot.com. The game’s multiplayer is being developed by Crytek’s specialist multiplayer studio, Crytek UK. Just like the gripping single-player campaign, Crysis 2 multiplayer will grant players the superhuman powers of the Nanosuit, allowing them to be the weapon as they utilize their powers against each other across, above and below various locations and landmarks throughout New York City.

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Built on Crytek’s new state-of-the-art multiplatform game development solution, CryENGINE 3, Crysis 2 will be available for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system and PC in 2D and 3D on March 22, 2011 in North America and March 25, 2011 in Europe.

For more information on Crysis 2, please visit http://sosnewyork.com, http://www.mycrysis.com or follow the game on Twitter at www.twitter.com/crysis or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crysis.

By: Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

Gala-Net, Inc., a leading free-to-play online game publisher, has entered a licensing agreement today with Korean-based developer and publisher CJ Internet.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with such an innovative company as CJ Internet, and look forward to publishing this fast-paced and ground breaking emotional MMORPG in the North American market.” –Jikhan Jung, CEO, Gala-Net.

Prius Online is a revolutionary 3D emotional fantasy MMORPG which revolves around a unique three character (3C) playing system. This 3C system consists of your main character, the Anima, and the Giga. The Anima is your character’s companion, and the relationship you develop with her, as you try to unravel the mysteries of her forgotten past, determine her personality and strengthen your bonds. The Gigas, summoned by the Anima in times of battle, are strategic and dynamic mercenaries that fight by your side. Through captivating quests and adventures, players unravel their own destiny alongside the Anima’s history. Through this rich bond and immersive emotional experience, Prius Online revolutionizes the MMO paradigm.

More information on the company can be found at www.gala-net.com

By: Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

Creators of original BioShock look to the sky in the next chapter of the award-winning franchise…

2K Games announced today that BioShock Infinite, a first-person shooter, is currently in development at Irrational Games, the studio behind the original BioShock which has sold over 4 million units worldwide. Set in 1912, BioShock Infinite introduces an entirely new narrative experience that lifts players out of the familiar confines of Rapture and rockets them to Columbia, an immense city in the sky. BioShock Infinite is currently planned for release during calendar 2012.

Originally conceived as a floating symbol of American ideals at a time when the United States was emerging as a world power, Columbia is dispatched to distant shores with great fanfare by a captivated public. What begins as a brand new endeavor of hope turns drastically wrong as the city soon disappears into the clouds to whereabouts unknown. The player assumes the role of former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt, sent to the lost city to rescue Elizabeth, a young woman imprisoned there since childhood. He develops a relationship with Elizabeth, augmenting his abilities with hers so the pair may escape from a city that is literally falling from the sky. DeWitt must learn to fight foes in high-speed Sky-Line battles, engage in combat both indoors and amongst the clouds, and harness the power of dozens of new weapons and abilities.

“We are excited to expand the world of BioShock, which is one of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and beloved franchises,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “We believe that Irrational Games will lend their meticulous attention to detail and unique storytelling expertise to make BioShock Infinite an incredible entertainment experience that will immerse new and diehard fans of BioShock alike.”

With the original BioShock, Irrational Games won “Game of the Year” awards from Game Informer, IGN, G4’s X-Play, and BAFTA and redefined what players expect from a first-person shooter. “But when it came to begin work on BioShock Infinite,” said Ken Levine, creative director of Irrational Games, “we only had one rule: No sacred cows. This game is both true to what people love about the series and unafraid to question every assumption.”

Levine continued, “In order to explore the floating city of Columbia, we needed an entirely new engine. To bring Elizabeth to life, we had to build brand-new animation and AI systems. To create wide-ranging indoor and outdoor firefights at 30,000 feet, we had to rethink, rebuild and expand the BioShock arsenal. The only thing gamers can be certain of is this: the rules of the BioShock universe are about to change.”

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BioShock Infinite is in development for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows, and is not yet rated by the ESRB.

For more information on BioShock Infinite please visit: http://www.bioshockinfinite.com/

By: Bill Armstrong (Contributing Editor)

There was once a time when Sony was considered the King of personal electronics. There was hardly a tech enthusiast that did not have at least one high end Sony device. Sony even revolutionized an industry by releasing the original Walkman, cutting us free from the bonds of a home stereo system and making us mobile. So popular was the Walkman that it became the go to name for any portable music player for up until the uber popular iPod took over.

Well, the Walkman never went away, and with the release of Sony’s newest model, the NWZ-E350, the Walkman is looking to regain it’s position at the top of the hill. The E350 offers an astounding 10 hours of playback, and comes in 4GB and 8GB Flavors. Priced around $80 and loaded with features, the Walkman may have a good chance at a come back after its release next month. Check out the official press release below.

Press Release

MEDIA ALERT: SONY INTRODUCES HIGH-QUALITY WALKMAN MP3 PLAYERS AT ATTRACTIVE PRICE POINTS

New Walkman® NWZ-E350 Series Video MP3 Players feature extended battery life, excellent sound quality and more

WHO: The new Sony Walkman models feature outstanding sound quality, advanced audio technologies, extreme battery life and more– all at affordable price points.

WHAT: It supports up to 50 hours of audio playback (mp3 files at 128 kbps) and 10 hours of supported video playback (WMV at 384 kbps). The unit utilizes Sony’s own “Clear Audio” technologies, for clear, deep sound without distortion. The model also comes equipped with Content Transfer Software, enabling simple transfer of music and video files straight from a PC or iTunes™ library (not including DRM files).

The player features Sony’s SenseMe™ technology, which automatically categorizes music tracks in a connected library into a variety of music channels and playlists. It also has a brand new user interface with such features as “Album Scroll” and “Scene Scroll”, enabling quick and easy content navigation.

It includes a “Bookmark Function” so listeners can create playlists on-the-fly while listening through songs from their music library. Simply bookmark a song while it’s playing to a custom, user-generated playlist. Supported audio formats for the new player include MP3, WMA (DRM), AAC (non-DRM) and linear PCM, and supported video format is WMV (DRM).

WHERE: The Sony E Series Walkman will be available next month for about $70 for a 4GB memory version, model NWZ-E353, and $80 for an 8 GB version, model NWZ-E354, at www.sonystyle.com, Sony Style retail stores and other authorized retailers nationwide.

By: Bill Armstrong (Contributing Editor)

With summer in full swing, it is the perfect time to enjoy your favorite water activities. Be it swimming at the local pool, water skiing, or flying down a big slide at your favorite water park, there is no better way to keep cool and have fun in the sweltering August heat. Now you can capture and share your aquatic adventures with Sanyo’s new waterproof camcorder, the VPC-CA102YL.

The name may not slide smoothly off the tongue, but that won’t keep you from shooting videos in full 1080 HD. A 64GB will let you capture over 480 minutes of footage. Being a member of Sanyo’s Dual Camera family, you can also take great underwater still photos at 14MP. All of this can be done in up to 10 feet of water!

While I imagine the possibilities of shooting HD videos of me heading down a giant waterslide, the potential applications are endless. Definitely a video camera for the outdoor enthusiast, the VPC-CA102YL carries a $350 price tag and is set to hit stores this month.

Technical Stuff
•   Full-HD videos, 1080 60i (1920 x 1080 pixels)
•   14MP photos
•   Waterproof (can be used in water up to 10 ft depth)
•   Compact, vertical form factor
•   CMOS sensor (14.4MP)
•   38 mm wide-angle lens
•   5x optical zoom, 12x double-range zoom
•   Compatible with SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cards
•   Wireless data transfer via Eye-Fi SD cards*
•   2.7-inch TFT LCD display (can be turned 285 degrees)
•   “Face Chaser” and “Target a Color” functions
•   Mini-HDMI port
•   Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
•   Rechargeable via USB port
•   Stylish yellow body with gray accents
•   Size: 3.37 x 1.47 x 4.34 inches (WxDxH)
•   Weight: approx. 5.5 ounces
Check out more information at the Sanyo website.