Doug Aamoth…

Here’s a five-minute look at the DSM-330 from D-Link. It’s a DivX Connected player, which basically uses your home PC for most of the menu rendering and downloading horsepower. We’ll have a full review up in the not-too-distant future.

So far, I see promise in the plug-ins feature, which allows developers to create their own stuff – I installed a Digg.com thing, an HD movie preview function, and a Google Maps application. Streaming HD content over my 802.11G wireless connection has been so-so. If the files are already on my PC, everything works great. Files that need to be downloaded and streamed on the fly tend to stutter from time to time.

All in all the device looks pretty good, though. I’ll run it through some more tests over the next week or so and report back.

The Nokia E66 will be hitting the U.S. in the third quarter with an unsubsidized price of $500. While that price may sound like it’s a bit (or a lot) on the high side, the phone actually has a fair number of tricks up its sleeve and will likely appeal mostly to corporate users who may never see the price tag to begin with.

Lest you think this device is all business, there’s a unique (and perhaps a bit gimmicky) “switch mode” that allows you to basically keep all of your work-related stuff in one profile on the phone throughout the day and then switch to a more lifestyle-centric profile at night, complete with a darker theme, friendlier icons, and that kind of stuff. Picture an employee for a large company getting in the elevator at the end of the day, loosening the tie and switching phone modes before getting into a cab to go wait in line for some new overpriced, dark, loud, small-portions restaurant.

Overview and Features

The phone’s build quality is excellent. It feels solid – perhaps a little heavy, but it’s a reassuring type of weight, not a big, fat phone weight. As far as size, it’s about the same as a BlackBerry Pearl, but maybe 25% heavier. The Pearl, if you’ve held one, is really light, though. Here’s a shot of the E66 next to the BB Pearl, the HTC Touch Diamond, and the Motorola Q9C for comparison. They’re all about the same thickness.

The phone’s keypad and illuminated function buttons are very sturdy and the metallic frame adds a cool look and provides some protection as well.

Turning the device over, it looks like an actual camera. Under the hood, there’s a 3.2-megapixel autofocusing camera.

Here are some more specs (full specs here):

• 2.4-inch display, QVGA resolution (240×320), 16.7 million colors
• Quad-band GSM (GSM 850/900/1800/1900)
• GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA, HSDPA, 802.11b/g, phone-as-modem connections
• Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR
• Speakerphone, voice dialing, voice recorder
• IMAP4, Exchange, POP3 e-mail
• Integrated A-GPS and Nokia Maps application
• Video playback: MPEG-4, 3gp, RealVideo, H.263, H.264
• Audio playback: AAC, AAC+, MP3, AMR-NB, AMR-WB

Pros

As mentioned before, the solid build quality is a strong selling point for the phone. As for what’s inside the phone, the Symbian OS takes a little getting used to if you haven’t used it before, but wasn’t difficult to master at all. I’ve used Nokia’s internet tablets somewhat extensively and the leap from those to this phone was pretty easy.

Where the Symbian OS really shines is in the application department. This phone had a bunch of cool software on it: an app for downloading audio and video podcasts, Nokia’s music store (depending on the service provider), WMP11 sync, online video and photo sharing, voice recorder, Flash player (yes, Flash!), FM radio, RSS reader, data tethering, instant messaging, video conferencing, VOIP calling, push-to-talk (depends on provider), GPS and maps with landmarking (geotagging) functions, Zip file manager, PDF reader, printing to networked printers, data backup, remote file access, VPN, a barcode reader, and a bunch of other stuff. So yes, it costs $500, but there’s a lot of extra “stuff” that comes with it.

The phone also has a rotation sensor and will flip everything from portrait to landscape when you tilt the phone. You can also silence the ringer by placing the phone face down when a call comes in. These aren’t new features in the cell phone world, but they’re nice touches. All in all, there are a lot of the little things that Nokia does well with this phone, each cropping up the more and more I used the phone. I’m sure I didn’t discover everything, but all the nuances and intangibles were quite nice.

Cons

Battery life was a little short when using a 3G network – around three hours of talk time. When not using data services, though, the battery fares better. I was able to listen to music on the phone for an entire workday with about a half-battery left.

Also, people new to the Symbian OS might find it a bit bland, visually. It’s a relatively pedestrian-looking interface but what it trades in looks, it makes up for in stability and application availability, so it’s kind of a wash.

Finally, there’s the price. It’s gonna be too steep for most average consumers without some sort of carrier subsidy. Businesses would likely do well by this phone, though.

Conclusion

The Nokia E66 is a pretty impressive phone if you’re looking for something solid, stable, and geared for a nice balance of data and phone features. The high price and somewhat unfamiliar operating system might turn American consumers off, but large businesses and world travelers could very well find what they’re looking for in the E66.

E66 Product Page [Nokia.com]

Like a shot in the eye from squirt gun filled with horseradish juice, here comes the Verizon Blitz. Gah! I’m guessing that early photos don’t do the device justice but, then again, it’s going to be offered as a pre-paid INpulse phone so maybe looks aren’t as important as features.

And features, it does (sorta) have: VCAST, microSD expansion up to 4GB, stereo Bluetooth, VZ Navigator, and a 1.3-megapixel camera. The phone was originally floated as the UTStarcom TXT8010 back in April, so you may remember it if you’re into various FCC filings and other exciting endeavors like that.

Price? Not sure yet. Availability? Wal-Mart on August 8th and Best Buy on September 28th. I’m guessing it’ll be priced at around $100 or so. That’s just me, though.

Welcome to the exciting world of inexpensive headphones! JVC has a new contender in the “Gumy Air” line (they spelled “Gummy” wrong, ROFL!) that promises to “set a new standard for comfort in the ear bud category” thanks to its silicon rubber air-cushioned ear doodads. The headphones cost about $15 and appear to be aimed at those of you who have third-generation iPod Nanos and Shuffles, as they’re all available in the same seven colors as the aforementioned music players.

I’ll be honest. I’ve never met anyone in real life who subscribes to DISH Network, but I’m fairly convinced that the company does exist and probably turns a profit. If you happen to be a DISH subscriber and you have one of the HD packages, then you, my friend, are in for what appears to be some sort of treat.

Tomorrow, DISH will start rolling out a big, fat update to all of its MPEG-4 HD DVR boxes. The update will allow the boxes to display high definition content in glorious 1080p resolution. Says DISH, “By early August, all DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers will have the only set-top boxes in the nation enabled to display 1080p content, allowing them to maximize the full potential of their 1080p-compatible HDTV sets.” So if you’re really into HD, this might get you a little boner-y.

The update is set to dovetail with DISH’s TurboHD service, which is an “all-HD suite of programming packages” and the recent launch of the company’s Echo XI satellite. DISH currently offers 114 national HD channels and plans to have 150 by year’s end.

Here’s the full press release:

DISH Network(R) Unveils Biggest High Definition Upgrade in TV History

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 31, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH) today set the bar for the next-generation HD standard by becoming the first in the industry to offer high definition programming in 1080p, the highest and best HD resolution available.

This new functionality is part of DISH Network’s latest and unprecedented expansion in high definition services, which includes the rollout of TurboHD, the industry’s first 100 percent, all-HD suite of programming packages. As previously announced, DISH Network will also launch 17 new national HD channels tomorrow, surpassing its goal of reaching 100 national HD channels five months ahead of schedule. DISH Network now offers up to 114 national HD channels and plans to expand that line-up to 150 channels by the end of 2008, made possible by the recent launch of Echo XI, the most powerful satellite in the company’s fleet.

“Over the years, DISH Network has maintained a very competitive high definition offering in the marketplace, providing customers with a premium HD product including the best technology, signal and experience — at the best value — that no other pay-TV provider can come close to matching. Our latest system upgrade coupled with the introduction of TurboHD further strengthens our position as the leader in digital television and high definition television,” said Charlie Ergen, Chairman, CEO and President of DISH Network. “We know that once consumers start watching their favorite TV shows in high definition, their viewing habits change and their preference switches to all-HD programming. Only DISH Network gives them that option, all for an industry-low price of $24.99 per month.”

DISH Network’s new high definition services are supported by a proprietary system upgrade that, starting August 1, is being rolled out to all MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers. The upgrade activates a unique feature of the set-top boxes, improving the current standard of HD delivery used by pay-TV providers such as the ability to output 1080p programming. By early August, all DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers will have the only set-top boxes in the nation enabled to display 1080p content, allowing them to maximize the full potential of their 1080p-compatible HDTV sets.

To celebrate this new era in the high definition viewing experience, DISH Network is offering subscribers a special deal in August to enjoy the unparalleled picture and sound of 1080p high definition programming. Starting August 1, Warner Bros. Pictures’ blockbuster “I Am Legend” starring Will Smith will be available in 1080p resolution — same as Blu-ray(R) Disc quality — on DISH Network’s VOD service, DISH On Demand, at a discounted price. Subscribers with MPEG-4 HD DVRs may order the movie on DISH Network Channel 501.

Consumers can sign up for the best high definition programming and service in the industry with DISH Network’s new TurboHD programming packages, the only all-HD packages on the market, starting at $24.99 per month. TurboHD is available in three separate tiers and includes special “turbo-charged” features and benefits such as DISH Network’s award-winning and industry-leading technology, the highest quality HD available including 1080p where applicable, and the most-watched HD channels that may be viewed on any TV — analog, digital or high definition.

Current DISH Network customers looking to add the industry’s best high definition experience can get a “turbo-charged” HD package for as little as $10 more per month.

The latest national HD channels added to DISH Network’s programming line-up are: ActionMax HD (DISH Network Ch. 313), CBS College Sports HD (Ch. 152), Lifetime HD (Ch. 108), Lifetime Movie Network HD (Ch. 109), Planet Green HD (Ch. 194), Encore HD (Ch. 340), HBO 2 HD (Ch. 301), HBO Comedy HD (Ch. 307), HBO Family HD (Ch. 305), HBO Latino HD (Ch. 309), HBO Signature HD (Ch. 302), HBO West HD (Ch. 303), HBO Zone HD (Ch. 308), Starz Comedy HD (Ch. 354), Starz Edge HD (Ch. 352), Starz Kids & Family HD (Ch. 356), and Starz West HD (Ch. 351).

For more information about DISH Network’s 1080p programming, new HD channels and TurboHD system and packages, visit http://www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

[via I4U]

Remember the great Blu-ray versus HD DVD debate of 2008? When Blu-ray finally won, some claimed that it didn’t really matter, as streaming and/or downloadable online video would soon be the reining champion of the HD movie marketplace.

Whatever your opinion, it appears that LG is attempting to head things off at the pass with the introduction of the LG BD300 Blu-ray player with built-in Netflix streaming. Excelsior! It’ll be available this fall, will play Blu-ray discs and up-convert standard DVDs to 1080p, and stream 12,000+ Netflix titles straight to the box via the magic of the interconnected network of computers (In-ter-net).

So will the Netflix movies be in high definition, too? Doesn’t look like it – at least the press release (see below) makes no mention of HD Netflix streaming. And you’d better either have a router nearby or a really long Ethernet cable, as the player won’t do wireless. That’s kind of a necessary evil, though, as a wired connection will make streaming the Netflix movies and accessing BD Live content faster and more stable.

It also appears that you’ll have to add movies to your Netflix queue from a big-boy computer first, and then those movies will show up for playback on the player. So no searching the entire Netflix catalogue from the BD300 itself.

No word on price yet, which is a bit odd since there’s so much information throughout the rest of the release, but the player will apparently be unveiled tonight sometime, so we’ll likely get pricing and perhaps a firm release date later in the day.

LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player to be Unveiled Tonight

NEW YORK, July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Building on agroundbreaking technology partnership announced earlier this year, LGElectronics and Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) today announced plans for thefirst Blu-ray disc player that will have the added benefit of being able toinstantly stream a growing library of movies and TV episodes from Netflixdirectly to the TV.   

Available this fall, the LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player will playhigh definition Blu-ray discs, up-convert standard DVDs to 1080p and allowNetflix subscribers to instantly stream more than 12,000 choices of moviesand TV episodes from Netflix to the TV for no additional charge.

LG Electronics and Netflix will demonstrate the BD300 Network Blu-rayDisc Player for the first time tonight at LG’s 2008 Summer Line Show atMorgan Library and Museum in New York City. (The event is open to invitedmedia only.)

Instantly streaming content from Netflix to the TV via the LG BD300Network Blu-ray Disc Player will rely on a wired broadband connection andQueue-based user interface. Netflix members will use the Netflix Web siteto add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant Queues. Thosechoices will automatically be displayed on members’ TVs and available towatch instantly through the LG player. Once selected, movies will beginplaying in as little as 30 seconds. With the BD300’s accompanying remotecontrol, Netflix members will be able to browse and make selections righton the TV screen and also have the ability to read synopses and ratemovies. In addition, they will have the option of fast-forwarding andrewinding the video stream.

“As Blu-ray player sales are expected to triple in three years,consumers are craving content and seeking a premium home entertainmentexperience,” said LG Electronics USA President Teddy Hwang. “The BD300 isanother LG industry first and provides consumers with an advanced high-defdisc player with unparalleled flexibility and networked access for servicessuch as Netflix.”

Consumers craving more content will appreciate the BD Live feature,which provides real-time interactivity for movie enthusiasts seekingextras, new previews or special content while BonusView providespicture-in-picture access to Blu-ray disc special features. To furtherpersonalize and simplify the home theater experience, the BD300 includesLG’s SimpLink(TM) technology, which allows users to control similarlyequipped LG TV and AV products via convenient on-screen menus or directlyfrom the product itself.

In January, prior to the 2008 International CES(R), LG Electronics andNetflix announced their technology partnership to provide a set-top box forconsumers to stream movies and TV episodes from the Internet to the TVbeginning in the second half of the year.

“LG Electronics is establishing itself as the innovation leader inconsumer electronics, combining the best of broadband and Blu-rayconnectivity,” said Netflix Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Reed Hastings. “LGElectronics was the first of our technology partners to publicly embraceour strategy for getting the Internet to the TV, and is the first tointroduce a Blu-ray player that will instantly stream movies and TVepisodes from Netflix to the TV.”

Anyone out there have a white iPhone? Is it cracking? We got a tip from a reader named Steve, who has a post about the cracking white iPhones on his site here (in French) which pertains to a thread in the MacRumors forums found here.

There are about six pages and a handful of photos with complaints about barely noticeable to quite noticeable cracks. Anyone else experiencing similar phenomena?

UPDATE – John just noticed his cracking today. He’ll post a picture tomorrow.

DISCLAIMER: This story has nothing to do with gadgets or technology.

A wild bear in Minnesota got a jar stuck on his head, wandered fifty miles over six days through the forest, and then finally stumbled out in to the middle of Frazee – about 10 minutes from where my family’s cabin is located — during the city’s annual “Turkey Days” celebration. You’ve surely all heard of Turkey Days? Fearing the bear might get hit by a car or knock over a child, officials decided to shoot it.

The men had thought to tranquilize the bear a day earlier, but they couldn’t find a dart gun in time, saying “We attempted to locate a dart gun to tranquilize it, but it left the park. It was on the move.”

They also tried to capture the bear in a steel trap so that they could remove the jar and release the animal alive. A DNR official said that the bear was unable to eat or drink, although it could breathe. It was likely dehydrated and really, really hungry.

According to The St. Paul Pioneer Press, the DNR official “said the chances of a bear getting stuck in a jar are ‘very rare.’” I can’t tell if this is funny, sad, or both. I’m pretty sure it’s 90% sad, though. A bear with a jar on its head? Kinda funny. Shooting an animal dead because you couldn’t find a tranquilizer gun? Not really my kind of humor.

If there’s one thing that’s missing from Bunker Hill, it’s a giant megaphone that’s hooked into payphones spread throughout the city. I live at the base of Bunker Hill and it would be just grand if I could listen to everything on everyone’s mind, all day and all night long. Such will be the case for the fine citizens in the small town of Dale, Norway from August 2nd to September 6th as the “Telemegaphone Dale” – a Parafunctional Payphone, as it’s being called – gets flipped on.

Why? It’s art, say its creators.

“They are sculptural landmarks as well as interfaces to practical and poetic functionality that caters to unexpected and idiosyncratic telecommunication needs. They are concrete interventions in a, surprisingly quiet, debate on commodification of the commons and the commercialisation of interpersonal communications.”

In layman’s terms, there will be “a new series of public, telephonic art installations” – payphones – spread throughout the city of Dale. When you pick up one of these phones or dial the Telemegaphone’s phone number (which will be published on August 2nd), the apparatus shown above starts blinking and your voice is blasted from a high mountaintop overlooking the city. As your carefully crafted words slowly blanket the entire town, everyone will finally know exactly how you feel about Mondays, presidential elections, and various popular reality TV shows.

It’ll be just like Twitter, except EVERYONE has to pay attention to you.

[via Core77]

Oh wow. Wow. This is a really odd decision. MSI has raised the prices of its Wind notebook (see our review here) from $479 to $499 for a version with Windows XP and a three-cell battery and from $499 to $549 for the version with XP and a six-cell battery. An MSI rep told Laptop the following:

“Since the cost of the battery and materials raise (sp), we had no choice but adjust the MSRP to $499.99 with 3-cell battery and $549.99 with 6-cell.”

To make matters worse, some retailers are hiking the price of the six-cell version up as high as $599. And – AND! – if that’s not enough, apparently some pending retail orders are being canceled because MSI now wants to sell them at the higher price.

Buy.com had to cancel orders and told Laptop:

“While selling the MSI WIND series notebooks for $499.99, Buy.com received notice from the manufacturer that this product is being mapped at $549.99. To avoid being de-authorized by this manufacturer, we did cancel all orders on this day for the 6-cell WIND series notebook.”

This is Buy.com, too! Not some fly-by-night e-retailer. This is a really poor decision by MSI, especially since the aggressive price of the Wind was one of its main selling points. The company would be wise to eat the losses until its costs of production and materials dropped (computers just get cheaper and cheaper, remember?) and then make up for it over the long run. This is just going to turn would-be customers off something awful. On the plus side, there will probably be more in stock.

Those of you that have ordered and are still waiting for your six-cell Wind, has your order been canceled? Would you re-order it at the new price? Maybe an Eee now?