Oh! Gizmo

By Andrew Liszewski

I still think it’s a slick piece of hardware, but the original MobiBLU Cube and the Cube2 never really became the iPod Shuffle killer that many people predicted. Even though it trumped the Shuffle by including a display at nearly the same price. However, it’s not like the MobiBLU Cube and Cube2 were dismal failures, and the fact that the Cube3 is just around the corner means that the company is still behind the product.

The Cube3 supports MP3, WMA and WMA(DRM) files and is ‘PlaysForSure’ certified making it compatible with many non-iTunes online music stores. The full color OLED display can be used for squinting at digital images and videos, but is probably better suited for navigating through playlists. It will only be available in a 2GB model, but you can supplement your music with FM radio since it even includes a built-in FM tuner and recorder. You can also expect to get about 10 hours of playtime with its rechargeable lithium polymer battery.

Come May 1st you’ll be able to pick one up for $99.

[ MobiBLU Cube3 ] VIA [ Ubergizmo ]

By Andrew Liszewski

This H4 ‘Handy Recorder’ has a lot of things going for it. Not only does it look cool with its wire cage protected dual electret condenser mics, but it’s also extremely compact, especially when you consider they’ve managed to cram in 2 combination XLR-1/4-inch input jacks complete with phantom power. But it’s the H4’s feature list that has me reaching for the ‘Add to Cart’ button.

You can record 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio or up to 320kbps MP3s directly to an SD card or to your computer’s hard drive when connected via USB. With a 2GB SD card you can capture about 380 minutes of CD quality sound, or up to 34 hours of stereo MP3s. Unfortunately that’s considerably longer than the 4 hours of continuous recording time you’ll get with a set of 2 AA batteries, but an AC adapter is also included. I’m particularly impressed that the H4 can even be used as a 4 track recorder when capturing CD quality 16-bit PCM, 44.1 kHz audio. While the 128×64 pixel LCD display is pretty basic, it’s more than adequate for monitoring levels and is probably easy on the batteries.

You can get it from ThinkGeek for $299.99.

[ H4 Pocket-Size Digital Audio Recorder ]

By Luke Anderson

I was born in the 80’s, so the first music format known to me was the cassette tape. I never really thought that they were all that cool, aside from recording my favorite songs off the radio (which were all missing at least a few seconds from the beginning as I raced to press record). I’m almost sorry that I didn’t get the experience of vinyl, as people that grew up on records claim that you’ll not find a better sound. Unfortunately, while it may have a great sound, your old 45’s aren’t exactly the easiest to to tote, so it might be worth your time and effort to put that music on a more portable format.

Sony has made the process of ripping music from vinyl to MP3 format about as simple as possible. Their new PS-LX300USB turntable hooks into your computer’s USB port and works with the included Sound Forge Audio Studio to bring your music into the digital age. You won’t have to spend a fortune on the equipment either, as it will only set you back $150.

[ Sony ] VIA [ SlipperyBrick ]

By Andrew Liszewski

I prefer seeing a classic ride restored to its original condition, rather than being ‘updated’ with huge rims, ridiculous suspension systems and an over the top stereo. But I’ll also admit that being stuck with an original AM radio or 8-track player would kind of suck when you’re out for a ride. So a company called Retrobelt USA is now selling the Retro Sound Modern One which is basically a modern digital stereo designed to look like a classic stock radio.

The faceplate pictured above is designed for a 1967 or 1968 Camaro but there are others available for everything from a 1955 Chevy to a 1964-1966 Mustang to even a 1968-1976 Corvette. While the chrome knobs and faux wood finishes help it blend in to the rest of the interior, the stereo also includes a modern LCD display for viewing track names and other info, a USB jack for connecting a flash drive full of classic rock MP3s (or WMAs) and even an infrared remote. It also includes a flexible bracket system allowing the stereo to be easily installed on a wide range of classic cars.

You can get the Retro Sound Model One from the Retrobelt USA online store for $269.90.

[ Retro Sound Model One ] VIA [ Autoblog ]

By Andrew Liszewski

While I wouldn’t say Toshiba’s G450 4-in-1 mobile device is particularly innovative, I’ll at least give it credit for looking different. With only 160MB of storage I don’t think it’s particularly useful as an MP3 player or flash drive, but the phone functions and HSPDA/GPRS/EDGE modem capabilities make up for that shortcoming.

Those of you who’ve developed some muscle memory for dialing on a standard phone might get tripped up by the number arrangement on the G450’s double keypad, but it does help keep the unit small and compact. (It’s just 3.8 inches long.) It also uses a bright OLED screen and while it looks a bit cramped (it has a resolution of just 96×39 pixels) it should at least help with battery life.

The G450 should be available in the UK sometime in March for about $300.

[ Press Release - Toshiba G450 ] VIA [ T3 ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Music can be a great motivator when exercising, but some songs are better suited for it than others. So while you can use any MP3 player when you head out for a jog, the BODiBEAT from Yamaha is designed to automatically select songs that best match your current activity using both a built-in accelerometer to keep track of your footsteps, as well as a heart-rate monitor that clips onto your ear.

It has 4 different operating modes you can choose depending on what your goal or routine is. The Free Workout Mode will automatically choose songs that have a similar tempo to your walking or jogging speed. As you speed up or slow down, the player will select a different song that better matches your new pace. The Fitness Mode will try to provide the most appropriate music for an optimal aerobic exercise based on your heart rate. It will play faster songs if you’re moving too slowly or slower songs if you’re moving too quickly. The Training Mode is apparently designed for serious athletes, and it allows you to create structured exercise sessions with preset time intervals and specific targets for heart rate, running pace or song tempo. Finally there’s the standard Music Mode which will make the BODiBEAT function like any other MP3 player, playing music by artist, album or whatever you choose.

The BODiBEAT is expected to be available in Winter 2008, but I’m not sure if that means the beginning of the year, or the end of the year.

[ Yamaha BodiBeat ] VIA [ The Red Ferret Journal ]

By Luke Anderson

I would be willing to venture that more than a few people reading this have downloaded music illegally. I’ll admit that I used to do my fair share back in the day, but being a little older and wiser, have been legally purchasing my music from iTunes for some time. Recently I heard about Qtrax, which is a legal site that will let you download as much music as you want, for free. The only catch is that it is DRM protected, and you have to watch some ads. Seems like a small price to pay for unlimited music downloads, right?

I’m sure that it would work out just fine, if they actually have any music to download. Unfortunately, the service went live yesterday, sans downloads. They had been talking big about the deals they had with the big four labels for over 25 million tracks, the only problem was that they didn’t have anything signed with even a single one of them.

You know what they say, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

[ Qtrax ] VIA [ p2pnet ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Whoever said “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, but how you played the game” clearly never experienced how much fun it is to win. And while most of us will never have the chance to enjoy a victory in front of thousands of fans in a stadium, the Versus Scoreboard can at least bring some of that experience home. The Versus was created by Filip Ivanoski (a lifelong athlete and professional tennis instructor) who feels that listening to music can not only enhance an athlete’s ability, but also make the sport more fun.

So besides serving as a portable scoreboard and timer, the Versus also has an analog line-in connection and 10W speakers allowing you to connect an iPod or other audio device. And while your favorite music is playing in the background, the Versus also has a series of stadium and crowd sound effects that can be used to enhance the action in the game. It even includes a microphone allowing the non-athletes to serve as play-by-play or color commentators on the sideline.

[ Versus Scoreboard ]

By Andrew Liszewski

I think I’d be pretty good as a professional alarm clock tester. (I’m sure such a job exists.) Not only would I get plenty of satisfaction from a job that requires me to sleep, but it also puts my uncanny gift of ignoring even the loudest of alarm clocks to good use. And first on the testing block would be this supposed Neverlate Executive Alarm Clock, which includes a bunch of features designed to get you out of bed on time.

The clock has two separate 7-day alarm schedules, which is supposed to allow two people to wake up at different times every day. In reality though, it means one person will always be woken up before they need to. And if you find all 4 of the buzzers to be too annoying, you can choose to wake up to one of 20 preset radio stations instead. On top of that there’s another set of 7 ‘every day’ alarms bringing the total to 21. On the back of the alarm you’ll find a powered USB port, allowing to plug in and listen to a flash drive full of MP3s, or recharge a USB connected device like a cellphone. Most importantly though the alarm clock even allows you to disable the snooze button, for those who’ve become too addicted to “just another 5 minutes.”

You can find the Neverlate Executive Alarm Clock at ThinkGeek for $59.99.

[ Neverlate Executive Alarm Clock ] VIA [ Gizmos For Geeks ]