Tag Archives: release date & price

Google TV ready for primetime (part 2): Sony Internet TV & Blu-ray Disc Player

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Yesterday Sony held their own event to reveal their Google TV initiative.  Unlike Logitech’s companion box (the Revue), Sony is incorporating Google TV into a new line of HDTVs and a Blu-ray player.  The Google TV experience on the new Sony TVs and BD player is exactly the same as it is on Logitech’s Revue, so I will spare you another Google TV explanation and jump right to the hardware announcements.

The Sony Internet TV lineup includes 4 HDTVs: the 24-inch NSX-24GT1 ($599.99), the 32-inch NSX-32GT1 ($799.99), the 40-inch NSX-40GT1 ($999.99), and the 46-inch NSX-46GT1 ($1,399.99).  They all feature a full HD 1080p display with edge LED backlighting except for the 24-incher; that one’s fitted with CCFL backlighting.  They all include built-in WiFi and around back there’s 4 HDMI ports, an Ethernet port, 2 USB ports, component and composite video inputs, optical audio output, 2 IR blasters, a headphone output, and power of course.  Every TV will come bundled with an bizarre-looking QWERTY keypad remote.  Though it appears large in pictures, the remote is about the size of the small Logitech Mini Controller and it takes design cues from the PS3 DualShock controller (it’s got left and right triggers).  In addition to the QWERTY buttons, the remote also has a D-pad and an optical mouse built-in.  The whole contraption does not look entirely intuitive; there’s definitely going to be a learning curve with it.

Already have a perfectly fine HDTV in the living room?  Skip the TV and go for the new Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player.  At $399.99, the BD player sounds like a pretty good deal when it compare it to the Logitech Revue.  For an extra $100 you’re getting Blu-ray disc support; something to think about.  The player includes built-in WiFi, 1 HDMI input, 1 HDMI output, and 4 USB inputs.

I said I wouldn’t talk about software, but there’s one Sony addition on this front.  In addition to the Google TV apps, all Sony Internet TV products will come preinstalled with Qriocity, a Sony video on-demand app.  Sony also reminds you that more apps are on the way when the Android Market hits Google TV in early 2011.

The Sony Internet TV and Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player are currently on pre-sale at SonyStyle and Best Buy.  They will be available to purchase this weekend starting October 16 at Sony Style stores, and they’ll make their way to Best Buy outlets on October 24.

Google TV has arrived.  Will it be the Logitech Revue or Sony Internet TV?  The choice is yours.

[Via Sony; Engadget]

Nintendo 3DS to ship March 2011 in US, Wiimote with built-in MotionPlus coming soon

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Earlier this week at a company event in Japan, Nintendo revealed the release date and price of the Nintendo 3DS.  It will sell for ¥25,000 (about $299 USD) when it hits the Japanese market on February 26, 2011.  Not from Japan, huh?  Ninty only hinted at a US and Europe release date: March 2011; they did not disclose US pricing details, but several industry analysts are pegging a $249-$299 price point.  When it ships in Japan, the 3DS will be available in two color variants, aqua blue and cosmo black.  The portable game console will come bundled with a charging dock and a 2GB SD card.

At the company event Nintendo detailed a number of software enhancements.  The Mii Studio app magically transforms a still image of yourself (taken with one of the 3DS’ cameras) into a customizable Mii avatar.  The Mii Plaza app takes advantage of the 3DS’ ability to recognize other 3DS handhelds in close proximity.  Whether you’re actively playing a game or walking the streets with your 3DS in standby mode tucked away in a bag, the system will recognize and pull information from nearby 3DS users.  At any time you can hop into Mii Plaza to discover a growing community of Miis from all the 3DS owners you pass by throughout the day.  Similarly, a new wireless “tag mode” featured in the upcoming Super Streetfighter IV game will quietly seek out other 3DS owners to battle against.  A minigame will pit one of your in-game collectable action figures against a nearby opponent when your 3DS is in standyby mode; and standard wireless 3DS to 3DS battle royales with in-game characters is supported, too.  Other 3DS apps include a web browser, an ebook reader, notes, and support for augmented reality gaming.

Remaining loose ends.. The final 3DS hardware is very similar to what we saw at E3; the only noticable exterior change is that the analog nub no longer matches the handheld’s color scheme–it remains gray in each color variant.  The 3DS software lineup was shared in a brief video preview.  Upcoming titles include Animal Crossing 3DS, Mario Kart 3DS, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS, Paper Mario 3DS, Dead or Alive Dimensions, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, Resident Evil: Revelations, and Resident Evil: The Mercenaries.  It’s also been reported that Game Boy & Game Boy Color games are coming to the 3DS’ virtual console store.  Look after the break to see the software lineup video in addition to demonstrations of Mii Studio, wireless “tag mode”, and a 3DS introductory video–all in Japanese, of course!

On a separate topic, Nintendo also used the company event to formally announce the Wii Remote Plus.  It had been rumored for some time, but now it’s official: the Wii MotionPlus accessory (that grants greater 1:1 motion capability) will soon come permanently built into a Wiimote.  Nintendo showed off the newly redesigned controller in four colors, white, black, light blue, and pink.  Launch date and price have not been disclosed for any country.  Check ’em out in the gallery below.

[Via Engadget, here, here & here; Joystiq]

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS to ship March 2011 in US, Wiimote with built-in MotionPlus coming soon →

Droid R2-D2 on sale September 30 for $249

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We knew it was coming, so now it’s time to makes things official.  The limited edition Star Wars branded Droid 2, dubbed Droid R2-D2 by Motorola, goes on sale this Thursday, September 30 for $249 after a $100 mail-in rebate and a new two-year contract on Verizon Wireless.  Besides the new exterior aesthetics, the device has the same features as the standard Droid 2.  Its got the 3.7-inch multitouch display, slideout QWERTY keyboard, 5 megapixel camera, and it runs Android 2.2.  So why the $50 price hike?  The phone comes preinstalled with the following exclusive content: · R2-D2 notification sounds and ringtones; four live wallpapers; R2-D2 clock widget; “The Best of R2-D2” video with the original Cantina music; and an exclusive binoculars app.  The phone is bundled with a Star Wars media dock and wired stereo headset inside custom packaging “resembling carbonite.”  Look in the gallery below for a closer look at the phone and media dock.  Full PR after the break.

In related news, VZW also announced a new Star Wars app for all Android 2.1 or higher phones.  The VZW exclusive Empire Strikes Back app includes a sound and photo gallery, live wallpapers, a trivia challenge game, and widgets all related to Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back in celebration of the film’s 30 year anniversary.  The app will be made available in the Android Marketplace for a cool $2.99.

[Via Engadget; DroidR2D2]

Continue reading Droid R2-D2 on sale September 30 for $249 →

PlayStation pimps its new PS3 models

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On Tuesday Sony revealed two new PlayStation 3 SKUs.  The first is a plain jane PS3 with a 160GB hard drive.  It replaces the older SKU and keeps the same price of $299.99.  Buy it today.  The second model is a PS3 + PlayStation Move bundle.  Price at $399.99, it packs a 320GB hard drive and comes packed with one PS Move controller, one PlayStation Eye camera, a copy of Sports Champions, and a game demo disc.  The bundle will hit store shevles September 19, the same date PS Move launches.

[Via PlayStationBlog]

Droid 2 drops tomorrow on VZW for $200 (R2-D2 edition coming soon)

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Just when you started noticing age spots on the original Droid, Motorola decided to officially unveil Droid 2.  Though its large 3.7-inch multitouch display cannot out-match Droid X’s enourmous 4.1 inch screen, the Droid 2 does boast great specs.  The improved slideout QWERTY smartphone runs the latest build of Android OS (that’s 2.2 aka Froyo, for those of you counting), has a 5 megapixel camera, and comes preloaded with 8GB of onboard memory and packaged with an 8GB microSD card (expandable up to 32GB).  It supports Flash 10.1 for “access to the full web”, DNLA streaming, and Swype input for the on-screen keyboard.  If you choose to pay an extra $20/month the device becomes a 3G mobile hotspot with support for up to 5 devices over WiFi.  Droid 2 is up for preorder today and will be made available for purchase tomorrow August 12 for $199.99 with an obligatory new two-year contract on Verizon Wireless.  If your current VZW contract ends by December 31, 2010 you are eligible to upgrade to Droid 2 or any other VZW smartphone for that matter.

In the official PR posted after the break, Verizon and Motorola tease a limited edition “R2-D2 DROID 2” inspired by the iconic Star Wars Astromech Droid.  “The special version of the phone will feature exclusive Star Wars content and external hardware designed to look like the trusty Droid from the film saga.”  Expect the R2-D2 Droid to release this September.  It will only be available to purchase online.  View the teaser page here.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Droid 2 drops tomorrow on VZW for $200 (R2-D2 edition coming soon) →

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 finally gets release date and priced

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Now THIS has been a long time coming.  Sony Ericsson is finally releasing its first Android-powered smartphone on August 15 for $149 (with a new two-year contract) on AT&T.  The Xperia X10 first made waves last summer when a breif video preview leaked onto the ‘Net.  Codenamed “Rachel” the SE customized user interface evolved over the months to eventually become a skin for Android 1.6.  That’s right, the X10 runs a very old version of the Android OS (version 2.2 is just starting to trickle onto handsets today).  As disappointing as that sounds, it looks like the highly customized UI overlay might hide the cobwebs and make for an inviting experience.  SE offically revaled the X10 back in November, but I’ll refresh your memory with a quick listing of specs.  The X10 packs a 4-inch touch screen, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 8.1 megapixel camera with LED flash (plus smile detection, face recognition, and autofocus), built-in GPS, and 8GB of on-board memory and 2GB memory card (expandable up to 32GB).  The cornerstone(s) of the refined UI skin are SE’s “signature applications” Mediascape and Timescape:

*Mediascape on the Xperia X10 gathers music, photos, videos and content from your phone’s memory card and online, letting you browse, search, listen and share your media from one unified view. For example, view photos taken on the device as well as your Facebook and Picasa web albums. Or, when listening to a favorite song on your phone, press Sony Ericsson’s infinite button to access related content about the artist pulled from the phone’s memory as well as albums, songs and video content from YouTube and search results from Google.

*Timescape is a unique communication application that automatically organizes social interactions in chronological order, leaving users free to concentrate on keeping in touch on-the-go. From Facebook and Twitter updates to photos, emails and text messages, a scrolling menu offers easy viewing and organization of all communications. Additionally, tap the Timescape infinite button to bring up and view all communications from a single person in a single place.

Like I said, the X10 will be available August 15 in AT&T stores for $149.99.  But if you choose to pick one up at a local Sony Style store you’ll receive an instant $20 rebate.  Look after the break for the official PR and a brief video tour conducted by a Sony rep from this past year’s CES.

[Via Engadget] Continue reading Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 finally gets release date and priced →

BlackBerry Torch slider QWERTY smartphone runs BlackBerry 6, hits AT&T August 12 for $199.99

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On Tuesday RIM and AT&T formally announced the latest BlackBerry handset and it’s called the BlackBerry Torch.  It’s BB’s first slider smartphone, and it comes with a full QWERTY keyboard BB users are accustomed to.  Let’s run through the specs, shall we?  The Torch packs a 3.2″ (360 x 480) capacitive touch screen display,  5.0MP camera with flash, auto focus, image stabilization and geo-tagging, built-in GPS and 802.11n WiFi, quadband 3G radio, and 512MB of Flash memory with 4GB on-board and a microSD/SDHC memory card slot for additional storage (up to 32GB supported).  It measures 4.4″ x 2.4″ x 0.57″ when closed and 5.8″ x 2.4″ x 0.57″ when the slider keyboard is out.  Face buttons include start/end calls, main menu, back, and an optical trackpad.  The Torch will be the very first BB to run the just detailed BlackBerry 6 operating system.  This means it will include the fast Webkit browser (for which it was named after–RIM recently bought a company named Torch Mobile), integrated social feeds, a new multimedia experience, and universal search.  The phone will be made available to purchase on August 12 for $199.99 on a new two-year contract with AT&T at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, RadioShack, and AT&T stores.

The brand new form factor is extremely compelling.  It’s the new OS, which seems to be following the pack and not making its own strides, that I am worried about.  Look in the gallery below for press shots and after the break for the PR and two “launch videos”.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading BlackBerry Torch slider QWERTY smartphone runs BlackBerry 6, hits AT&T August 12 for $199.99 →

Droid X by Motorola hits Verizon Wireless July 15 for $200

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Droid X by Motorola joins siblings Droid by Motorola, Droid Eris by HTC, and Droid Incredible by HTC on Verizon Wireless later this summer.  Check out these spectacular specs: 4.3-inch 854 x 480 display,  1GHz TI OMAP3630 processor, 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash and 720p video recording, and 8GB of onboard storage, expandable up to 32GB (it comes with a 16GB SD card).  All of that’s packed inside a sleek, black 9.9mm thin device.  It will come preinstalled with Android 2.1 and a brand new UI skin overlay (it has not been confimed if this is MotoBlur).  Android 2.2 and Flash 10.1 support is expected to make their long-awaited debuts on Droid X via an OTA update “in the latter half of the summer.”  And there’s more.  Droid X will act as mobile hotspot, supporting up to 5 other devices over WiFi.  It also features DNLA and HDMI connectivity “to download, stream and share personal HD content.”  A preinstalled Blockbuster On Demand app will allow users to rent and watch movies right on the device.  Last, let’s talk pricing and availability.  Droid X becomes available to the masses July 15 for $199.99 (that’s with a new two-year contract with VZW and after a $100 mail-in rebate).  If you opt for the 3G Mobile Hotspot service be prepared to cough up an additional $20/month.  VZW is pulling an Apple with this one: All VZW customers whose contracts end by December 31, 2010 will get their early termination fee waived if they want to upgrade to the X (or any other smartphone for that matter).  Be sure to look after the break for the full PR and the awesome Droid X commercial that has been making waves on the boob tube.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Droid X by Motorola hits Verizon Wireless July 15 for $200 →