Even though Microsoft has “officially” stated that a Blu-ray drive would be sold for the Xbox 360, this rumor just does not want to die. The latest information is coming courtesy of the Chinese newspaper, Economic Daily News, and it seems to indicate that Microsoft is still interested in utilizing the apparent winner of the HD disc war for their game console. The Economic Daily News is reporting that Pegatron Technology, a subsidiary of Asus, has orders, from Microsoft, to assemble Xbox 360 consoles that are equipped with a Blu-ray drive. This purported assembly is set to begin in the Q3 of this year. Microsoft has yet to comment on this latest chapter in the Blu-ray/Xbox rumor, so more as it happens. (Read the full post about ‘Xbox 360 to get Blu-ray?’…)

It appears that the iPhone has created such a splash on the mobile market that anything remotely like it will only be seen as a cheap knock-off. However, HTC’s latest cell phone could be an exception to this rule. The HTC Touch Diamond has been called “the next 3G iphone” by many gadget blogs. In addition to its 3G capability, it has a 3D interface known as TouchFlo 3D. This complete touch interface “provides animated access to people, messaging, email, photos, music, weather, and more”. The Touch Diamond also features a built-in camera with auto-lens focus, as well as a 2.8 inch display for clear viewing. The Touch Diamond can surf the net with broadband-like speeds of HSDPA 7.2 Mbps and use HSUPA wireless connectivity. (Read the full post about ‘HTC Touch Diamond’…)

Title: Iron Man
Release Date: May, 2, 2008
Publisher (Developer): Marvel and Paramount Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Pros: Great acting, very funny, great effects, more contemporary setting and origin, pleasing to Iron Man and comic fans
Cons: Feels like a short movie, limited story, not enough action or Iron Man, to many quick edits, no Nick Fury cameo
Overall Score: One thumb up, one sideways; 80/100; B-; * * * out of five.

Gamertell has posted its review for the Iron Man movie, in theater now (released May 2, 2008).

(Read the full post about ‘Gamertell Review: Iron Man the Movie’…)

3D Hangman Tags: video game, consumer electronics, cellphone, electronic toys (Read the full post about ‘3D Hangman’…)

by Joshua Topolsky, posted May 5th 2008 at 5:37PM It looks like Verizon isn’t taking those 700MHz spectrum open access rules very seriously, and a certain competing bidder isn’t real happy. In a petition filed with the FCC by Google, the company alleges that Verizon is willfully ignoring the “plain meaning of the [open access] rule” by suggesting it will allow one type of access for users who use Verizon-approved devices, and another for those using third-party units. According to the document, “Verizon’s position would completely reverse the meaning of the rule such that the open access condition would apply to none of Verizon’s customers, and thereby render the condition a nullity.” The search giant is calling for the FCC to block Verizon’s $4.7 billion bid on the spectrum unless the company agrees to comply with the previously-decided open access rules. (Read the full post about ‘Google calls for FCC to force open access rules or block Verizon’s 700MHz bid’…)

As expected, Lenovo today launched the U110 ultra portable entertainment and fashion-oriented notebook computer. The $1,899 IdeaPad U110 is the company’s “star” offering with great useful features such as VeriFace Face Recognition technology, Dolby Home Theatre and the MultiMedia Control Center, a built-in camera, WLAN, Ethernet and Bluetooth. Tags: video, games, gear, M4A (Read the full post about ‘Lenovo IdeaPad U110 Officially Launched’…)

As expected, Dell today launched two new addition in its Vostro line of budget notebook computers. The 13.3-inch 1310 and 15.4-inch 1510 are targeted towards home users and SMBs, and offers decent specification at a reasonable price-point. The 1510 can be customized with Core 2 Duo T5670 (1.8GHz), 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, Intel GMA X3100 graphics, dual layer DVD burner, 802.11g wireless, Bluetooth, fingerprint reader, and Windows XP. It starts at $600 with Celeron M 540 (1.86GHz) processor. (Read the full post about ‘Dell Vostro 1310 and 1510 Notebooks Now Available’…)

Blue Box has released PC Gizmo, a USB device that brings some life into the world of IM emoticons. This egg-shaped dekstop gadget does not only support AIM, MSN and Yahoo! IM programs, it also features visual cues for both incoming emails and Skype calls. It will feature flapping ears, and can rock and turn according to the responses received. LED lights of different colors will illuminate, indicating the different emotions from various messages. An integrated speaker is also available for audible alerts. Guess you can toss out the i-Buddy now. (Read the full post about ‘PC Gizmo for IM Fans’…)

Guess the iPhone really does more than what it is supposed to, with this unique robotic setup that involves a watering can that is able to take instructions from an iphone. Whenever the Safari’s screen state goes from horizontal to vertical, it will fire a status update to a webserver using Javascript that has been set to move the watering can either up or down. Now if only something can be done to fill up the watering can when it runs dry while you’re a few hundred miles away from home as well. (Read the full post about ‘iPhone Waters Plants’…)

Recently there have been ongoing concerns over the shipments of lithium-ion batteries typically used in laptops. The concern stemmed from demand outstripping supply and predictions that only the biggest vendors would be receiving their quotas in the next few months.

The main reason for the shortage was due to a fire back in March at manufacturer LG Chem that saw production stop at the facility. But now it seems that supply may get back to normal by the third quarter according to battery producer Simplo Technology.

Sung Fu-hsang, chairman of Simplo stated, “The LG Chem problem has had a big impact on supplies, but we’re working with customers and they understand“.

Simplo Technology is the largest independent supplier of lithium-ion batteries and the comment by Mr Fu-hsang was made last Friday during an investors conference.

(Read the full post about ‘Lithium-ion battery shortages set to end’…)