Fujitsu has a spanking new video decoder IC known as the MB86H60, and this time it will boast a maximum resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 complete with compatibility with both the MPEG-2 and H.264/AVC coding formats. The MB86H60 has been slated for use in both TV sets as well as set-top-boxes (STBs), capable of supporting HDTV broadcasting in Europe, in addition to finding it being integrated in portable receivers. The IC used will be compliant with the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standard used in Europe and other regions, being fully capable of of MPEG-2 Main Profile/High Level complaint decoding as well as H.264/AVC High Profile/Level 4.0. (Read the full post about ‘Fujitsu MB86H60 video decoder’…)

Bandai has released its One Hand Player that features a dozen scratch samples, the entire repertoire of stock rhythm tracks where you can modify pitch changes, and the ability to change track play simply by shaking the device. It might not win too many points on the aesthetics front, but at $34.30 a pop, this is definitely worth checking out even if it is for the novelty factor. Tags: robots, design, Ogg Vorbis, wi-fi (Read the full post about ‘Bandai One Hand Player’…)

The Solar Powered Tiki Light will definitely be a welcome addition to any garden, beautifying it without all the adverse effects of using oil. Environmentally friendly-no wasteful electricity needed, no burning lamp oil to pollute the air. Light automatically comes on at dusk and casts a realistic, flickering glow. Bamboo pole adjusts from 39″ to 59″ high. Individual purchases retail for $19.99, while buying two or more will cost $18.99 a pop. Tags: Ogg, computers, pvr, audio (Read the full post about ‘Solar Powered Tiki Light’…)

Posted Mar 3rd 2008 10:47AM by Paul MillerFiled under: Laptops We’re hoping to get official confirmation for this in just a few minutes, but the current scuttlebutt is that ASUS is planning to announce the rumored 9-inch followup to the Eee PC soon. The new laptop will be purportedly named Eee PC 900, and should be the same size as the original, just with more screen to squint at. Other rumored additions include 1GB of RAM standard and SSD capacities up to 12GB. The base price will be 399 €, but hopefully that doesn’t mean $600-ish in the US — that conversion rate is certainly getting painful. (Read the full post about ‘ASUS set to announce 9-inch Eee PC 900?’…)

Posted Mar 3rd 2008 4:31AM by Ryan BlockFiled under: Misc. gadgets Wipe that look off your face, it should be completely clear by now that as time progresses, the probability of a concept or thing — any concept or thing — being made into some form of USB-powered device approaches one. Around here we just call it Engadget’s Law.[Via technabob]Tags: mobile devices, gadgets, TV, computers (Read the full post about ‘USB Boxer floats like a butterfly, stings like a 500mA USB current’…)

It looks like TiVo will be ending their current TiVo rewards program as of May 28, 2008 with the last day to earn any new reward points being one month earlier on April 30. As of May 28 the program will officially end and any remaining reward points that are unused will expire, make sure you take advantage of any that you may have before they go away. As of a new program in the works, it seems foolish that TiVo would take this away and not have it replaced with something similar, or hopefully better for their loyal customers. Per the TiVo FAQ’s page they have stated that “The current program is ending on May 28th, 2008 but stay tuned for more news and announcements; sign up for The TiVo Newsletter.” While it does not specifically mention any new program, it could lead one to believe this will be replaced. (Read the full post about ‘TiVo will end their Rewards Program on May 28′…)

Despite how glorious it sounds to work from home in your pajamas, blogging isn’t a very glamorous profession. Sure, there are exclusive press events and fancy cocktail parties every now and again, but for the most part, it’s just you . . . at home . . . in your pajamas. All day, every day. It can get pretty mundane. That’s why I need this paparazzi play set. It comes with a velvet rope that I could set up beside my computer to keep those pesky 4-inch vinyl photographers, reporters, and autograph hounds at bay. Paris Hilton’s got nothing over me (except fame, wealth, and a prison record). Available for £14.95 from I Want One of Those. Via Coolest gadgets. (Read the full post about ‘Paparazzi figurines make your work glamorous’…)

Posted Mar 3rd 2008 2:41AM by Darren MurphFiled under: Storage Well, would you look at that. It seems as if Time Machine is all buddy-buddy with externally connected HDDs on Time Capsule after all. (Read the full post about ‘Time Machine plays nice with USB HDDs on Time Capsule’…)

Here is some more USB goodness for you. This time, it’s not a toy or some novelty that sits on your desk sucking small amounts of power out of your computer, but something with a great deal of utility. The Powerstick is a essentially a portable battery that charges up by plugging into any USB slot. It can then in turn re-charge practically any mobile device, as long as there is an adapter available for it. So far, they (Powerstick) have adapters for things like cell phones (popular brands include: Sony Ericsson, LG, Nokia, Apple, blackberry, Samsung and Motorola), iPods and other devices that charge using mini-USB adapters (ex: Bluetooth headsets). Gimme! (Read the full post about ‘Powerstick: Emergency Power in a USB Stick for your Mobile Devices’…)

Winter might be over, but the O’neill H4 Audio Beanie is still worth picking up for next winter. This beanie discreetly hides integrated headphones within its earflaps, allowing you to rock on to your favorite grooves despite all the snow around you. The covering cap also doubles up as a warming agent, keeping those ears of yours warm and toasty while enhancing audio quality. The H4 Audio Beanie is compatible with most audio devices such as the ipod and other MP3 players, thanks to its 3.5mm connector. Is the £34.00 asking price too much to ask? (Read the full post about ‘Oneill H4 Audio Beanie’…)