Coming in two different models, the pink and white egg-shaped KIR-SE1S is single-sided in heat, and gives four hours of warmtimes, whereas the rectangular silver or pink KIR-SL2S is double-sided and lasts between one to three hours. Available soon in the US for $34.99 and $44.99 each, O Frosty Ones. [Sanyo via Hot Hardware via Engadget]

Trade in Your DVDs, Plus a Couple Bucks, and Get the Blu-ray Versions

Warner set up a DVD to Blu-ray exchange program called, appropriately enough, DVD2Blu, as sort of a more-tempting version of its HD-DVD to Blu-ray version. The problem is, it's not actually that great of a deal; you're limited to Warner movies, obviously, but it also costs $8-10 per DVD, plus $5 shipping, for the exchange. You might actually be better off just hitting Best Buy or Walmart or whatever and looking for sales, since DVD2Blu could cost you 18 bucks plus the agony of waiting for your new HD copy of The Wedding Singer: Totally Awesome Edition to arrive. [Engadget]

Steve Ballmer Acknowledges Apple's Gains, Remains Cocky

Microsoft held a shareholder's meeting this morning, led by the always-dynamic Steve Ballmer, and an interesting question came up: Why does Microsoft have such a lousy reputation among certain demographics, like, say, upper-middle-class college kids? Ballmer admitted that Apple's been seeing some gains that, while small, are a clear sign that Microsoft has room for improvement, either in marketing or product positioning. It's a pretty clear-headed statement from Ballmer—after all, he notes, Microsoft still has an insane marketshare, even in the high-end consumer demo, so despite Apple's visibility, Microsoft doesn't exactly have cause for concern. That level-headedness is why this story's in Remainders: Where's the explosive, frothing-at-the-mouth, prone to Bidenesque gaffes Ballmer we all know and, um, know? [TechFlash]

Sanyo to Build Houses Powered by Solar Energy and Li-Ion Batteries

Sanyo, considered Japan's "greenest" electronics manufacturer (sort of like being the best-dressed homeless person), is about to start building solar-powered, lithium-ion-based homes in its native country. The houses are all equipped with LED lighting, solar-powered water heater, all that stuff. They'll be a little pricey, at around $355,000—an equivalent non-green house would cost $62,000 less, although the Sanyo houses come with a $30,000 government subsidy. It's in Remainders because it's Japan only, and because I don't understand enough Japanese to learn any more about it. [Crunchgear]

Sony Announces Vague "iTunes-Like" Store on PlayStation Network for Books, Movies, Music

Sony announced the tentatively named Sony Online Service today—it's described as an "iTunes-like" service on the PlayStation Network, offering movies, music, and books, all media for which Sony also sells accompanying hardware. It'll also allow users to upload their own video, and will probably have support for independent app development later on down the road. We don't really know much else, like, say, a launch date or pricing (or even a final name), so it winds up here, alone in the dark corner of Gizmodo we call Remainders. [AppleInsider via Engadget]

Google Cuts Price of Online Storage by 800%

You know how sometimes the new version of a product will offer 50% more, for the same price? And how you think that's such a great deal? Well, Google just stomped all over your puny 50% upgrade by bumping their online storage to a ridiculous extent. Now you get twice the amount of storage for a quarter of the old price. That's right, that's eight times more for the same amount of money. For those that are having trouble with math, that means the storage now costs $5 a year for 20GB of space, and you can buy up to 16TB at that rate. If you're looking to store stuff in the cloud, this is a pretty killer deal. [Google]

Apple Updates Genius Bar Reservation System

Apple's Genius Bar is a pretty good system, although the first time I went they told me to arrive 15 minutes before my appointment, like the fact that their 6-week-old, $1500 product spontaneously broke was somehow my fault and not something for which they should accommodate my schedule. They're tech support guys, not doctors, right? ANYWAY, they've redesigned their online reservation system, and while I have screenshots of the new version, I never cared enough about the system to be able to notice what's different. It's in Remainders for pretty obvious reasons, I think. [Thanks, Grant!]

Gold-Dipped PS3 Slim: The Hot Holiday Gift (in Donald Trump's House)

The dudes at Computer Choppers have dipped a PS3 Slim in 24kt gold (along with two controllers) and will be selling them for an undisclosed price in a limited run of 5. To the only person reading this: Hey, Mr. Trump! More photos and price will be coming soon, so if you just toss me your email I'll be sure to let you know when you can finally get the current-gen gaming console to match your skyscraper. [Geeky Gadgets]

Sanyo's "Stick Booster" Looks and Sounds Far Dirtier Than It Is

Sanyo's "Stick Booster" name sounds like the kind of product you hear about in spam emails, and it looks mostly like a vibrator. But it's actually a pretty nice-looking gadget charger, once you realize what it's for, taking two AA batteries (rechargeables, of course; it's in Sanyo's green initiative line) and offering a USB port to charge your phone, camera, or whatever for about 90 minutes. It's available now for about $35. It winds up here in Remainders because it's definitely not the first AA-USB charger we've seen, although it might be the prettiest. [CrunchGear]

CHATSWORTH, CA. — October 20, 2009 –SANYO, one of the world's largest manufacturers of LCD and DLP projectors, announces the release of a new two-lamp projector, the PLC-XF1000, which features the exclusive QuaDrive™ optical engine for exceptional color reproduction for brighter capacities, 12,000 lumens brightness, 4000:1 contrast ratio, and the proprietary Active Maintenance Filter (AMF) for increased reliability.

The high brightness, two-lamp PLC-XF1000 projector is the second SANYO model to be equipped with their proprietary QuaDrive optical engine. Unlike conventional 3LCD (red/green/blue) systems, the QuaDrive includes an additional color control device that allows the PLC-XF1000 to automatically control the amount of yellow light in the image, producing higher luminosity with improved color accuracy and clarity.

The demand for even brighter projectors continues to come from the field as systems integrators are asked to install video displays in extremely large venues such as convention halls, conference rooms, auditoriums and houses of worship with high levels of ambient light. It is also especially well suited for the digital signage market where high resolution is in demand. However, as brightness levels increase on traditional 3LCD projectors, there is a reverse effect in color reproduction. Colors become noticeably washed out, lacking vibrancy and realism.

SANYO's innovative QuaDrive technology provides a solution for these specific cases, providing new projectors capable of extremely high luminosity without the trade off in color accuracy. The PLC-XF1000 is rated at an extraordinary 12,000 lumens, the highest brightness available in 100V AC projectors. Coupled with the impressive high contrast ratio of 4000:1, the PLC-XF1000 is capable of generating clear and color-rich images that are more vivid for cases where brightness and high resolution become primary installation factors.

The PLC-XF1000 is equipped with two high-output 330-watt lamps, improving light efficiency and achieving the industry's highest brightness of 12,000 lumens. It uses a basic 100V AC electrical outlet for ease of use and installation convenience.

The QuaDrive optical engine uses an inorganic panel for increased reliability contributing to the projector's outstanding 4000:1 contrast ratio for improved image depth, resulting in a 3D-like appearance. With the incorporation of three mirrors and SANYO's two-lamp combining technology, the overall color uniformity is significantly improved resulting in richer high definition images. The new design allows the PLC-XF1000 to produce the same brightness with two lamps as previous models did with four.

Maintaining projectors in the field can be costly and time-consuming. The integration of SANYO's exclusive Active Maintenance Filter (AMF) system enables filter cartridge replacement intervals of approximately 11,000 hours because a single cartridge contains a filter roll that is equal to 10 individual filters.

Installation is also simplified with key SANYO features such as the Power Vertical/Horizontal Lens Shifting and Power Zoom/Focus functions, which enable easy projection adjustments without changing the projector's position. These power-driven systems can be easily operated with the supplied remote control, which is especially convenient when the projector is installed on the ceiling or wall. Moreover, the projector can be installed in virtually any location, due to versatile setup positioning functions like the Vertical 360-degree Tilt Angle and a Center Lens Design. There are ten optional lenses available for use with the PLC-XF1000, ranging from short to long-focus choices.

Other features include a mechanical shutter, which can completely block projection light, convenient for presenters making presentations on stage, easy stacking grooves for placing a back-up unit on top of the main projector, and a built-in MVP expansion-slot system that enables the addition of SANYO's network and uncompressed HD data wireless transmission boards.

SPECIFICATIONS
• Resolution: 1024 x 768 (WUXGA)
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3
• Brightness: 12,000 lumens
• Contrast Ratio: 4000:1
• Uniformity: 90%
• Projection Lamp: NSHA 330W x2
• Screen Size: 40"-600" distance varies based on lens type used
• Input Terminals: DVI-D (HDCP), RGB D-sub 15-pin (input and output), RGBHV/Y/VIDEO, Pb/Cb,Pr/Cr (BNC x5), S-video
• Control: RS232C (in)/ D-sub 9 x 2 (out)
• Dimensions: 21 (W) x 10.55 (H) x 30(D) inches
• Weight: 60.1 lbs (excluding lens)

Like all new SANYO products, the PLC-X1000 conforms to the EU RoHS Directive. It will be available from the beginning of December 2009 for an MSRP of $24,995.00, (excluding lens).

Alas, I must consider the implications of such a garment. If you live in colder climates or enjoy winter sports, something like this might be useful. Be careful though—with all of the news about batteries spontaneously catching fire, melted throats could be a concern. [Sanyo via Boing Boing Gadgets]

To juice up, you connect your USB-charging device to the included Lithium Ion booster pack, which acts as a reservoir drawing power from the panels.

Sanyo claims a full charge to the booster in good sunlight will take 3 days with one panel (¥9,000; about $100) and half that on the two-panel version (¥14,000; about $150). Available only in Japan for the moment. [Sanyo Japan via Akihabara News and PC World]

Executives at Sanyo-which employs more than 85,000 people worldwide-said they were initially overjoyed that someone had actually purchased one of their products. The celebration was short-lived, however, as it soon dawned on board members that their organization would face financial ruin if forced to honor Cinelli's rebate.

[The Onion]

Weighing in at 42 pounds (still way heavy compared to most bikes, let alone peak gear) and charging in 3.5 hours, Sanyo's CY-SPK227 electric bike (the first carbon fiber model in the world) achieves 62 miles of assisted motor range through an integrated lithium ion battery and dynamo-based recharging that kicks in whenever you cruise downhill or brake.

Of course, all of this fancy blacknerness comes at a price: $6,700 when it hits Japan October 1st. For that much, we might prefer to indulge in a full-out electric motorcycle. But if Batman chooses to chase down the Riddler on this thing just so he has a change at shacking up with Poison Ivy and her posse of Greenpeace sidewalk solicitors, so be it. [Sanyo via CrunchGear]

The lamp is intended to spend most of its time on a wireless charging stand, which not unlike the Palm's Touchstone or, more precisely, Sanyo's wireless eneloop Wiimote charger. There, it can be switched between the brighter white light mode and a low-draw blue, or "Healing Light," mode. The stand feeds power into the unit's two AA batteries, which power the lamp when it strays from home. Sanyo's press release says it'll switch modes when it's turned horizontal, mentioning that there's some kind of accelerometer, although it seems like a simple activate-on-disconnect system would work just fine.

At first, I had trouble imagining too many uses for a lamp/torch hybrid, but then it hit me: midnight pooping. For that, this lamp is genius. No price or domestic availability info is available yet; Japan will see a launch on September 11th. [Akihabara News]

Faster Wi-Fi should imply higher quality signals for video streaming, with "n" speeds having set the benchmark for wireless HD in the home theater industry already. But technically, no streaming bitrate limitations are listed on the product at this time.

The system also features a Vista-friendly Windows CE infrastructure with 4GB of storage that's compatible with MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, and WMV. You get home theater ports like HDMI and component. And the projector itself creates a WXGA (1280 x 800) image at 3,800 lumens.

Oh...but...it's gonna be like $6500 when it hits Japan this June. (The headline read "first!!" not "cheap!!") [Sanyo via SlashGear]

The impressive range is accomplished, Sanyo says, by a battery that recharges itself on downhill stretches or when the cyclist brakes.

There's also that big honkin' basket on the front, capable of carrying more than 20 pounds (perfect for a chance encounter with an animatronic alien), but that has little to do with the batteries. Sadly, there is no little bell to ring when you arrive with a delivery.

The bike is, unsurprisingly, being marketed to courier and maintenance companies for about $1,300 (Japan only). That may sound expensive to some, but if you really hate pedaling or doing more work than is absolutely necessary, like I do, it might not be so bad. [CrunchGear]

Essentially, the device was a human washing machine that cleaned, massaged and dried the occupant in a fully-automated 15 minute cycle. Obviously, Sanyo's vision of the future didn't quite pan out for the average citizen, but if you live in Japan you can look forward to a similar experience when your kids finally decide to put you in a home. A descendant of the Ultrasonic Bath concept called the HIRB ("Human In Roll-lo Bathing") system works in a similar fashion—scrubbing the elderly to a sparkling shine. [Pink Tentacle via Neatorama]

First up are the full HD DMX-HD2000 and DMX-FH11 (above). Both record 1080p progressive video at 60 fps—something they're claiming as a world's first for a "consumer" cam (I don't know what price distinction they're making here). These can also do slow-motion at 240 and 600 fps—not quite Casio EX-F1 levels, but pretty close (no word on the resolution of the slo-mo capture). The main differentiation is the form factor—the HD2000 is a pistol grip (and has 8GB of built-in memory), and the FH11 is your more traditional horizontal shape. The prices are great—$500 for the horizontal and $600 for the apparently sexier pistol.

Next are the VPC-WH1 horizontal and VPC-CA9 pistol waterproof cams. Both shoot 720P underwater (up to 10 feet for the horizontal, and 5 feet for the pistol). They're $400 and $350, respectively.

And finally, the compact VPC-TH1 (horizontal, $300) and VPC-CG10 (pistol, $200). These are tinycams that shoot 30fps 720p—the pricier TH1 adding a beefier 30x optical zoom—giving the Flips and the Kodak Easyshares of the world a bit of a run.

Guys—a word to the wise—how about some standardization of the model designations, no? All are available in the US starting in March.

SANYO Announces New 'Dual Camera' Xacti All-HD Line-Up for 2009

Full 1080p and 720p HD models, Including Waterproof HD Cameras Set to Debut in Both Vertical and New Horizontal Body Styles

NEW YORK, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ — SANYO Fisher Company, a division of SANYO North America Corporation (SANYO) is pleased to introduce its new line-up of Dual Camera Xacti cameras designed to enhance active lifestyles by providing both high-definition video and photo capability in a single, easy-to-use compact camera. The new mixed form factor (Horizontal, Vertical) line-up of six (6) SANYO Dual Camera Xactis includes new Full HD 60fps units (VPC-FH1, VPC-HD2000), waterproof HD models (VPC-WH1, VPC-CA9) and Compact HD cameras (VPC-TH1, VPC-CG10). Availability for the US market will begin in March 2009.

New for 2009, Dual Cameras in horizontal body styles join models in Xacti's signature vertical form factor, offering a broad line of models designed to appeal to discerning consumers and retailers.

Dual Camera Xactis record photos and videos to SD/SDHC media cards (sold separately) and are thumb-operable for key functions, with separate video and photo buttons for easy switching between shooting video and photos. Unlike conventional camcorders, there's no need to stop to switch modes and miss capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. With two new Dual Camera models-that's true even when those special moments occur underwater!

The 2009 Dual Cameras offer the convenience of both television and computer-use/viewing, plus easy Web sharing of recorded high-quality MPEG-4/H.264 video clips. Several new models are compatible with optional lenses for expanded shooting flexibility. Some 2009 models (WH1, TH1) also offer an amazing recording time of up to 3 hours 20 minutes thanks to a small but powerful SANYO battery and an engine designed to save energy. With a Dual Camera Xacti, one is all you need.

Full HD models (VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD2000)

The Full HD Dual Camera Xactis are truly the benchmark in high definition, offering 1920 x 1080 pixels, and 60 frames per second recording for crystal clear, smooth motion videos. These highly advanced cameras not only offer a standard 1080i (interlaced) format (recording at 60 fields per second), but with the SANYO proprietary CMOS engine, recording is also available in 1080p (progressive) format at an ultra-smooth, professional-looking 60 frames per second.

Main Features: VPC-FH1 (Horizontal; $499.99 MSRP) and VPC-HD2000 (Vertical; $599.99)

· Full 1080p HD Video (60fps)

· 8-Megapixel Digital Photos and High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12fps)

· High Speed Recording/Super Slow Motion Playback (240/600fps for 1/4 or 1/10 playback)

· 3-inch wide LCD Monitor (FH1), 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor (HD2000) for HD Playback

· 10x Optical Zoom for photos

· 16x advanced zoom (more area included than standard zooming, 160x digital zoom) for video

· Digital Image Stabilizer (Movies & Stills)

· 'Face Chaser' technology (up to 12 faces) for photos/videos

· HDMI Output (FH1); HDMI Digital Interface via Cradle (HD2000)

· Optional lenses: Tele, Wide, Semi-Fisheye

· External microphone input (HD2000)

· VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD200 are available in Black

Compact HD models (VPC-TH1 and VPC-CG10)

In response to massive global demand for high definition equipment, SANYO's Dual Camera Xacti line-up for 2009 are all designed to record high definition video. SANYO's compact HD Models offer 720p (1280 x 720) HD capability and record at 30 frames per second. The VPC-TH1 also offers an impressive 30x optical zoom and an incredible 3-hr 20-min long continuous recording time-all in HD!

Main Features: VPC-TH1 (Horizontal; $299.99 MSRP)

· HD Digital Video (720p, 30fps)

· 30x Optical Zoom

· 2-Megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)

· 3-inch LCD (TFT) Widescreen Display

· Long 3-hour 20-minute continuous recording battery life

· Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills)

· 'Face Chaser' technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos

· HDMI Output

· 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images

· Available in Silver and Blue

Main Features: VPC-CG10 (Vertical; $199.99 MSRP)

· 10-Megapixel photos and 720p HD video

· 5x optical zoom

· 3-inch Widescreen LCD

· Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills)

· 'Face Chaser'/Detection Technology (up to 12 faces)

· High-Speed Sequential Shooting 7fps

· 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images

· Available in Black and Pink

Waterproof Compact HD models (VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9)

With a conventional digital camera or camcorder, many users are understandably reluctant to film or shoot in the rain or other wet environments, fearing water damage to the camera. The VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9, however, have earned the highest possible IEC 60529 waterproof rating-IPX8-allowing high definition 1280 x 720 30fps footage to be captured without worrying about the effects of water or snow. The VPC-CA9 is operable down to a water depth of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet), while the VPC-WH1 is submersible down to an astounding 3 meters (10 feet).

With SANYO's advanced waterproofing technology, these cameras can be used without thinking twice in the rain, for marine sports such as surfing or snorkeling, or for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding.

Main Features: VPC-WH1 (Horizontal; $399.99 MSRP)

· Waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet) for one hour

· Exceptional 30x optical zoom

· 2.5-inch LCD Display

· 2-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video

· 2-megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)

· 'Face Chaser' face detecting technology for both photos and videos (12 faces)

· 3-hour 20-minute recording time; long battery life

· HDMI Output

· Available in Blue and Yellow

Main Features: VPC-CA9 (Vertical; $349.99 MSRP)

· Waterproof up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) for one hour

· 9-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video

· High Speed Sequential shooting (7fps)

· 5x Optical Zoom

· 2.5" LCD monitor

· 'Face Chaser' face detection technology

· Available in Black, Red and Green

Preloaded with a worldwide database of genre-sorted channels, the R227 can also be programmed with any stations it may be missing. And if you find that internet radio isn't your thing, the R227 is still equipped with a digital FM tuner for OTA music and a line-in for your MP3 player of choice. The system will go on sale this January for $170, otherwise you can make the trek up to Canada to score one now. [Electronista]

Once installed, you simply press a button to command motorized panels to cover your front and back plates. At this point, while you can still see your car, it's technically invisible. Then press down on the gas, put two wheels on the sidewalk and you'll really see what those license plate covers can really do.

Priced at $121, just remember, there's always a magical place called the race track if you want to drive like a douche. [DealExtreme via OhGizmo!]

It looks like it'll be Japan only for now, but expect about a $400 price tag if it ever makes its way over here. I'm not even sure Mr. Spacely could drop that much on a picture frame, though. [Sanyo via Akihabara]