Gizmodo: Handhelds

Homebrew DS-DSLR Uses Nintendo DS as a Canon EOS Remote

John Mahoney — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:30:00 EDT

Really nice piece of DS homebrew here: when photographer Steve was searching for a less bulky alternative to tethering his Canon 5D to his laptop for remote functions during shoots, he didn't have to look further than his DS Lite, which he was always packing anyway. With a custom cable that connects through the GBA cartridge slot, Steve used the Canon SDK to write a powerful remote app that does everything his laptop could—saving bulk, time, and money. And it's got some tricks even the laptop couldn't pull off.

The DS-DSLR app enables controlled bracketing, custom interval shots, timed long exposures—everything dedicated remote apps do. The DS's unique hardware even allows for a noise-activated shutter control via the built-in mic for snapping a shot the second a balloon pops. So a powerful, instant-on, 218 gram remote that also plays Mario Kart. Not bad at all. [Panocamera via BBG]

Peek Wireless Email Device Goes On Sale, Still Cheap as Hell

Wilson Rothman — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EDT

The surprisingly well-liked cheap Peek email handheld is ready for pre-order on its own site, at $100, plus unlimited use on T-Mobile for $20/month. It may be low-fi, but anything that works consistently well doing a straightforward but important task for a fairly low price has a place at my table. The only catch is—and I know you're gonna be pissed—you can't get it in Aqua Blue or Cherry. Whether they're sold out (as the company claims) or not in stock (the likelier story), you are out of luck. If you want one now, you gotta get Charcoal Gray. [Peek via Electronista]

Rumor: New Dual-Touchscreen Nintendo DS in Early '09

John Mahoney — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT

This is on the rumor-ier side, but Brian from Kotaku's man deep, deep in Japan has dropped him a tidbit about a new DS that might be in the works—one that bumps up screen sizes and finally replaces the top screen with a touch screen. The Nintendo DT, perhaps? Anyway, this certainly won't be hitting before Christmas, as Kotaku's source says "early next year" if true, which means a lot of DS-gifted kids' smiles may quickly turn to frowns in '09. It makes sense, given Nintendo's excitement-free showing at E3 this year, and how far touchscreen tech has come since the DS first hit, that something DS-related will be brewing for early 2009. [Kotaku]

Peek Handheld: No Phone, No Frills, Just Email

Sean Fallon — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:13:00 EDT

I'm not sure if the Peek emailer is a great idea or a stupid one. Basically, the Peek is a stripped down handheld device with a QWERTY keyboard that does nothing but handle your email. The shaky logic behind the device is research that shows roughly 90% of email users are not checking their email on the go—but why they assume this group would forgo the cellphone they surely already have for yet another gadget is beyond me. Besides, the Peek is set to debut in Target on Sept 14th for $100 with T-Mobile service running $15 a month. That doesn't seem like a value to me.

The bottom line is that email services on consumer phones are getting better all the time, and you can still pick up a phone like the Blackberry Pearl with email at a value that makes wasting money on a second gadget like the Peek unnecessary—even if the service is stellar. So, what do you think—does the Peek stand a chance? [Peek via Silicon Alley Insider]

Modder Adds Working Touchscreen to PSP

John Mahoney — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EDT

PSP modder jube808 has equipped his PSP with a DIY touchscreen, as part of his efforts to add features he feels Sony dropped the ball on with his beloved handheld. The on-screen keyboard looks pretty responsive, and can be used with fingers or a stylus. Such a mod is probably making PSP homebrewers salivate with PSP/DS hybrid potential. Another video has a closer look at the whole rig.

[PSPzProject via Kotaku]

GamePark's GP3X "Wiz" PMP Spy Shot

Sean Fallon — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:20:00 EDT

It has been nearly 3 years since the original Linux-based GP2X handheld first arrived, and based on this spy shot, it appears that a second-gen version is well on its way. Naturally, not much is known about the device other than a GP2X emulator should run on it after recompiling and it is (tragically) being called the "Wiz." Let's hope not because I already bought a "Wii" so I doubt that I would be able to stomach another product with a name that stupid. [Zodttd via GP2X News]

The iPhone is More Powerful Than the DS, But Sucks As a Controller

Jason Chen — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:40:00 EDT

You know that the iPhone is powerful enough to render 3D games like Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, as well as various other ones we covered in the marathon review session, but just how powerful is it? How does it compare to actual gaming handhelds like the Nintendo DS and PSP? An EA developer put it this way. On a scale of the three, it's in between the DS and the PSP, but sliding more towards the PSP. That's right. In terms of power, you can expect to see games that look at least as good as the DS once developers get enough (read: more than four months) development time with it.

But how good is the iPhone in terms of being a game console? How good are the tilt controls for accepting input for programs that you to make small adjustments with the phone in 3D space? Here's what the same developer from EA said to better help you conceptualize its accelerometer. "Think of it as a loose analog stick...you get lots of random data." Developers need to create smoothing algorithms in order to take random data points and interpret them into a curve which can then be used as movement info. Think about the Wii Remote before the MotionPlus add-on in Wii Sports Baseball. Remember all that jiggling your bat did? Yeah, this is that.

The Alphagrip Handheld PC is Ergonomically Insane

Sean Fallon — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:00:00 EDT

You may recognize Alphagrip from their bizarre line of handheld keyboard/trackball mouse hybrid controllers—but by the looks of their entry into Microsoft's Next Gen PC design competition, it appears that they are planning on taking things a step further by integrating a computer screen. The controller itself is basically a beefed-up version of their previous product—a design intended to maximize typing speed, conveniences and comfort.

However, it seems that the guys at Alphagrip have such a boner for ergonomic design that the screen itself seems like an afterthought. Seriously, the whole screen area irritates me—from the heart-shaped frame to the poorly placed controls flanking the display. For these reasons alone, I doubt highly that it will win the competition much less become an actual commercial product in this form. [Alphagrip via Next Gen PC via Techpin via Gearfuse]

Pencil-Pushing Census Bureau Dumps Portable Tech for Pencils

Jack Loftus — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 11:30:46 EDT

To our friends at Treehugger, please look away as we report that the Census Bureau is ditching plans to go digital and will return to its sinful pencil-pushing, paper-crazy roots. Originally, the Bureau planned for workers to use 500,000 wireless handheld devices from Harris Corp. as a replacement for the paperwork used to collect information from Americans who do not respond to the census. The $1.3 billion program looked great on, well, paper, but was ultimately derailed by hardware issues and incompetence.

The biggest issue with the Harris handhelds was that they were more paperweight than PDA. They were too big (slightly larger than a cell phone), didn't transmit data very well, and at one point during testing there were 417 outstanding technical requirements not being met. "Reverting back to paper, which we've done in the past and know we can do, lessens the risk," says Stephen Buckner, a Census Bureau spokesman.

The silver lining to this story? The Bureau will still take delivery of 151,000 handsets "to check residential street addresses using the Global Positioning System." Kids these days call that Google Maps, but if the government wants to dole out billions for something we can do for free, then who is Gizmodo to argue? [The Washington Post]

Nokia N810 WiMax Edition Tablet Hands On

Adrian Covert — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT

Nokia took the shroud off its WiMAX-capable N810 Tablet today, which promises 4g mobile broadband speeds for the handheld internet tablet. The updated N810 will use Sprint's Xohm service, and adds a new mobile dimension to the device, which was previously Wi-Fi only.

Aside from 4g internet, the N810 WiMAX Edition now allows firmware updates over the air without complete memory reformatting (3rd party apps can also utilize this wireless update protocol). The updated tablet also includes a few cosmetic changes to the OS interface and a new, Web 2.0-compatible Mozilla browser. Nokia claims the N810 seamlessly switches from WiMAX to Wi-Fi when available and features a new, Web 2.0-compatible Mozilla browser.

The n810 still has the same 4-inch touchscreen, same cameras, same GPS, and same 2 GB of storage (expandable to 10 with an 8 GB MicroSD card). It also still uses Nokia's MAEMO Linux interface, which is fully open source and supported by an online community specifically focused around the device. Because of the N810's open source emphasis, VoIP apps will function over WiMAX (something the iPhone SDK won't allow with its mobile internet). No price point has been set yet, but expect the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition in stores before the end of June.

Mobility and broadband speeds unite as Nokia evolves the Internet experience Nokia N810 Internet Tablet WiMAX Edition unleashes an open Internet experience, demonstrating the mobile future of web services LAS VEGAS - Ushering in the next generation of wireless broadband devices, Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today unveiled its newest Nseries device, the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet - WiMAX Edition, Nokia's first device engineered to take advantage of new wide-area high-speed mobile WiMAX networks. This pocket-sized device lets consumers enjoy an open Internet experience, allowing for access to the full Internet without barriers, while on the go. The Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition is the latest iteration of Nokia's popular line of Internet Tablet products. For the first time, the power and convenience of the Internet Tablet platform is combined with next generation wide-area wireless broadband capability, allowing users to easily and quickly access all of their favorite Internet services beyond the limitations of local area hot spots. The Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition is expected to be available in the United States during the summer of 2008 in areas where WiMAX connectivity is available.
WiMAX is a standards-based wireless broadband technology that delivers an open Internet experience similar to that of fixed broadband technologies with typical data download speeds of up to 2-4 Mbps per user with peak download speeds of up to 10 Mbps. Unlike current single point local area technologies like Wi-Fi which have a range of a few hundred feet, WiMAX networks consist of a number of interconnected base stations, each with a radius of up to 2-3 miles, that allow for handoffs from one base station to another as users move about a region or metro area. Additionally, WiMAX networks integrate technology designed to maximize the quality of service for each subscriber.

"By delivering the kind of open Internet experience that consumers previously only expected on a desktop PC, the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition is a compelling example of how next generation broadband wireless technology will not only change the way people think about the Internet, it will change the very nature of the Internet itself," said Ari Virtanen, Vice President of Convergence Products for Nokia. "Much in the way that the evolution of the fixed Internet from dial-up to broadband enabled a host of new Internet services and changed people's expectations of what an Internet experience should be, the transition to a broadband Internet experience set free from the constraints of a fixed network will spark the next wave of new mobile Internet services, and will forever change the perception of what the Internet can be."

Along with a full featured web browser, powered by Mozilla, that takes full advantage of the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition's large 4.13 inch touch screen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a variety of popular web-based services are also supported. Many of these applications can be found on Nokia's dedicated OS 2008 User Site. To keep connected while on-the-go, a number of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Instant Messaging (IM) clients are available, including Skype, Gizmo, and GoogleTalk, which can also take advantage of the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition's built-in web cam for video calls. A client for the popular Rhapsody online music service is also available, transforming the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition into a portable jukebox with millions of songs available to enjoy at a few taps of the screen. Beyond these well-known services, an active developer community has also emerged around the Linux-based Internet Tablet platform, creating additional applications - from games to productivity tools.

A number of additional features further enhance the utility of the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition. With built-in GPS, the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition can easily transform itself into a fully featured personal navigation device, complete with real-time on-screen maps. An integrated media player and 2 GB of internal memory, expandable to a full 10 GB of memory with the addition of an optional microSD memory card, allows the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition to store and play back a large library of music and video content. When not in range of a WiMAX network, the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition can also access the Internet over Wi-Fi or via conventional cellular data networks by pairing to a compatible mobile phone via Bluetooth technology.

Also being introduced with the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition is the newest Internet Tablet operating system. This new upgraded OS2008 introduces useful new features to the platform, including an enhanced e-mail client, support for Chinese character rendering in the browser and RSS feeds and Seamless Software Update functionality to eliminate manual software updates, making periodic updates of the operating system quick and easy. While standard on the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition, current owners of Nokia N810 and N800 Internet Tablets with earlier operating systems will be able to upgrade their device to the revised operating system for free during the second quarter of 2008.

Korg DS-10 Turns Your Nintendo DS Into a Serious Synthesizer

Sean Fallon — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:00:35 EDT

Musicians who lead double lives as gaming geeks will soon have their worlds collide when Korg releases its DS-10 software for the Nintendo DS. Basically, Korg has taken the design concept of their famous MS-10 synthesizer and thrown in a four-part drum module, two analog synth simulators, a 6-track/16-step sequencer and made it usable with the touchscreen. If I had any music ability, lived in Japan and had 4,800 yen ($47) burning a hole in my pocket, I would be all over this sucker when it is released this July. Official specs after the break.

- Two patchable dual-oscillator analog synth simulators: - Four-part drum machine that uses sounds created with the analog synth simulator - Six-track (analog synth x 2, drum machine x 4) /16-step sequencer - Delay, chorus and flanger sound effects available from the mixing board - Three note-entry modes: touch-control screen, keyboard screen, matrix screen - Real-time sound control mode via touch-control screen - Exchange sounds and songs and play multiple units simultaneously through a wireless communications link

[Korg DS-10 via Kotaku and DS Fanboy]

Pocket Spelling Bee Looks Suspiciously Familiar

Sean Fallon — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:40:52 EST

Franklin's new Pocket Spelling Bee was unveiled at the NYC Toy Fair this week and despite its more than passing resemblance to the Sony Mylo, it appears to be a solid educational toy. The device allows kids to compete against one another or the computer in a spelling showdown for supremacy.

The Speaking Spelling Bee also features a 2" high-contrast LCD screen, the ability to play on the go or connect to the tv, clear speech and sound effects, the Merriam-Webster Intermediate Dictionary with over 70,000 words, the Merriam-Webster Intermediate Thesaurus and the Merriam-Webster Rhyming Dictionary. Pricing and availability have not been announced. [Franklin via Make]

Sony Prepping Direct-to-PSP Downloads

Sean Fallon — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:20:09 EST

In an interview with Gamespot, PlayStation director of network operations Eric Lempel noted that given the capabilities of the PSP, a direct connection to an online store "should be possible, so it's definitely something we're thinking about." At this point, the only real stumbling block to such a service would be managing the security issues.

Still, downloadable content isn't worth a damn unless there is something good to download. Lempel addressed that issue by stating that a lot more exclusive content will be coming up in the near future. This could include themes, wallpapers, music, and maybe even TV shows and movies down the line. Let's just hope that good games are going to be part of the equation as well. [Gamespot via Boy Genius via Slashgear]

Wide VGA OLED for Handhelds on the Horizon From Samsung

Sean Fallon — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 19:10:25 EDT

Samsung is currently hard at work on what should be the first OLED display capable of wide VGA (800x480) resolution on a screen that measures as little as 3.08 inches across. Quite a leap when you consider that up until now, the best manufacturers could muster was a quarter VGA (320x240) on displays of that size. The redesign should also produce screens that cover the entire NTSC color range, achieve a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, use less power, and produce nearly instantaneous pixel response times. The upgrade should be ready for production sometime in the summer of next year. [ Samsung via Electronista]

HP Looking to Get into Handheld Gaming

Louis Ramirez — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 11:37:35 EDT

So it turns out it's HP, not Dell, that wants to get into handheld gaming. Word has it that HP Labs is working on a gaming platform dubbed Mscape, which would rely on GPS sensors to allow for location-aware adventure games.

So for example, let's say you're playing a game and happen to walk by a landmark or a city park. Small sensors would trigger an action in the game, like maybe a hidden level or boss. HP has been working on Mscape for the past two years, but it looks like things are progressing rapidly, which is good news for them and us. – Louis Ramirez

HP Has Gaming Handheld in the Works [Crave]

Gigabyte Prepping its First Slider UMPC with Keyboard

Louis Ramirez — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 08:41:43 EST

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Sony must be red in the face right about now. Looking like a bigger version of the UX390, Gigabyte will debut its first UMPC next month at CeBit. Dubbed the U60, the handheld will come with a built-in QWERTY keyboard that slides out of the main body (like the UX390). Also on board is a 6.5-inch screen, which is bigger than Sony's 4.5-inch display, but a tad smaller than the 7-inch LCD found on Asus' R2H. Pricing hasn't been set yet, though more details should arrive as the launch date nears. – Louis Ramirez

Gigabyte U60 UMPC to be Announced at CeBit 2007 [Unwired View]

Be a Part of History: Own a Gizmondo

Travis Hudson — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:30:53 EST

A sad, sad person in Fort Worth, Texas somehow ended up with 15 Gizmondos and is ready to pass the awesomeness of the Gizmondo on to you. This thing can do GPS, media playback and other stuff, but it is most famously linked to one tore-up Enzo. Fifty bones isn't bad for a GPS device, but good luck with tech support if something goes wrong. –Travis Hudson

Gizmondo Units [Ebay]

Nintendo DS Lite Arrives

Travis Hudson — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 16:47:07 EST

There was talk and jibber-jabber going on for a while about a DS redesign to make the handheld smaller, lighter and more hand-friendly. Well it finally showed up. The redesign weighs in at 7.6 ounces, which is two ounces lighter than its predecessor. It is also considerably smaller. Celebration is also in order. This marks the 150th remake/redesign of a Nintendo handheld product. They sure do know how to exploit those fanboys. It should be hitting the market in early March.

Nintendo DS Lite! [Akihabara]

Some Truth To The Sidekick 3

gizmodo.com — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 10:15:08 EDT

Ever since that god-awful leaked picture has come out, we've heard countless rumors about the Sidekick 3 from T-Mobile. We actually have some real news from an insider at T-mobile who has the scoop. The Sidekick 3 will NOT be running Windows Mobile at all, so get that out of your heads. Also, if you were holding back on getting a Sidekick II until the 3 comes out, you're not in luck. The Sidekick 3 won't be released at all in 2005, so keep your eyes peeled in 2006 for it. We'll let you know more details when they come.

Mio A701 Has GPS And Windows Mobile 5.0

gizmogo — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 07:59:06 EDT

Now this is a Smartphone. Not only will the new Mio A701 have the brand-spanking new Windows Mobile 5.0, it'll also feature integrated GPS functionality — whichmeans we'll never need to ask for directions again. Running on an Intel processor at 520 Mhz, this gem will also have a 2.7 inch touch screen, a 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth 1.2, 192 MB of memory, GSM/GPRS support, and an SDIO-ready SD/MMC slot. Phone, handheld, GPS device, all in one pretty package — definitely one to keep an eye on. It'll be available in fourth quarter of this year, but no word on pricing yet.

Mio A701 communicator boasts Windows Mobile 5.0, GPS [InfoSync World]