Game Changing Gear

What makes certain gear game changing? First, it has to do something old in a new way. Second, its gotta be simple. Third, it has to chart a new direction. Memorex seems to have the right idea with the iFlip, a digital display device that instead of trying to be another iPod killer, is an ipod extender. Its a simple looking tool that does one thing, it lets you play your iPod videos on a better screen for a mere 200 bills. Sure its not perfect, screen resolution is passable but not stellar and the battery life is modest but it shows where things are going. Memorex could pop the same hardware into its TV sets and begin the process of cannibalising sales of its commoditized DVD’s with higher-margin digital products like a TV with iPod dock. its own lunch before someone else gets around to it. build the value of  of Storage is increasingly moving away from display Sweet. Smooches to the good folks at iLounge for the original posting with more info and images.

Game Changing Gear

How cool is this? TV anywhere, anytime on your laptop. A small device called the MobiTV Global was released earlier this week by the Japanese firm Links International. It’s about the size of your standard USB key and connects to your computer via the USB 2.0 slot, where it also gets its power. The device is supposed to allow you to watch TV on your laptop and record programs in MPEG2 video. According it the company it will capture VHF and UHF signals from 1-62 and non-encrypted cable signals from C13-C63.
Why is this game changing gear? As someone who watchs almost all my media on my Laptops (with XP Media Center), I’m sick of having to tether my PC to my cable box in order to get/watch programs. MobiTV is the first step I’ve seen in breaking the chains that tie the PC to the living room for media experiences.

Thanks to the gadget blog Akihabara News for its original post about the MobiTV.

..and just one more thing, check out the hysterical babelfish translation of the MobiTV release info.