Grand Cinema HD Converts USB To HDMI January 29, 2009

READ MORE Games , HDMI , HDTV , Home Cinema , Peripherals

Media streamers are all well and good but we're yet to see one that compares to a PC in terms of file support and adaptability.

Those fortunate enough to have an HDMI-enabled notebook or media PC may well have chosen to hook up the device directly to watch digital media on the big screen, but if you don't have this option then the Grand Cinema HD is here to help.

Brits A Bunch Of TV Addicts, Record Viewing Times Recorded For 2008 January 29, 2009

READ MORE Announcements , HDTV , TV

It is somewhat surprising to hear people refusing to pay the extra money for Sky HD when you read the results of a new survey by Thinkbox, which basically says that ours is a nation of TV addicts.

During 2008, record viewing figures saw Brits watching more than a day's worth of television a week, 26 hours to be precise, which is up 48 minutes per week compared to 2007.

MobiBLU Designs UFO-Shaped MP3 Player & Speaker January 29, 2009

READ MORE Digital Audio , MP3 , Mobile Devices , Wireless

As innovatively designed MP3 players go, the A10 UFO from Korean manufacturer mobiBLU has got to be up there with some of the more interesting models, being shaped rather like a flying saucer.

This isn't to appeal to fans of the X-files either, since the shape allows it to offer a relatively powerful built-in speaker on the craft's underbelly and dedicated media controls on top.

Putin-Dell Smackdown: Putin Wins January 29, 2009

READ MORE Entertainment , Laptops , PC

Russia's Prime Minister Vladamir Putin can be a prickly character at the best of times and if you don't like it, tough, because he'll Judo-whip your ass all over the consulate.

It's not often you see someone like Michael Dell of Dell Computers eating humble pie and looking for an 'Exit: Stage Left' but he did this week at the opening ceremony of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

After delivering a 40 minutes speech, Putin opened the floor for questions and Dell was first. After praising Russia's scientific and technical prowess, Dell attempted to cosy up by asking "How can we help" [you to expand IT in Russia]?

Putin's withering reply:

Segway Face-Plant: Ouch, Ouch, Ouch! January 29, 2009

READ MORE Entertainment , Gadgets , Technology

We like the Segway Personal Transporters here at Gizmodo UK. They are a novel and cool way of getting around. The only drawback to the transporters is that everyone hates your guts.

Whatever it is, the Segway brings out the worst in even the most mild-mannered person. Sure, we all think they're very cool when you whizz by us but just after, our Inner Begrudger comes bursting forth and we secretly hope that you'll come a cropper.

Acer Launching '1st' Smartphone On Feb 16 January 29, 2009

READ MORE Gadgets , Mobile Devices , Mobile phones , Smartphones

When Acer entered the laptop space not so long ago, no one thought they'd become one of the biggest players and there's no doubt that the company is aiming to make a similar dent in the smartphone market.

That's right, Acer is planning to enter the mobile phone space when it announces its first smartphone at the Mobile World Congress Show on February 16 in Barcelona. An official invite [above] has gone out from the company saying 'Smartphones Launch!'

Pixelar Launches New e-Reader January 29, 2009

READ MORE Entertainment , Gadgets , Mobile Devices , Portable Media

Considering Amazon is too tight to launch its successful, yet ugly, Kindle e-book reader over here, maybe the latest open source e-reader from Pixelar will do the trick.

The plain-looking Pixelar e-Reader has 512MB of internal flash memory which is good for around 1,000 books and uses a 6in 600 x 800 pixel resolution E-Ink technology display. There's also an SD Card for adding up to 4GB of extra storage. It measures 184 x 120 x 9.9mm and weighs in at a decent 220g including battery.

Battery life is rated at 8,000 page turns but expect that to deplete faster if you use the e-Reader for playing MP3s.

Have Better Sex With The LoveTrainer Headset January 29, 2009

READ MORE Digital Audio , Entertainment , Gadgets , Mobile Devices , Sport

Having problems in bed? Need a little coaching and possibly some pep talk as you strut your legendary libido? Then you may want to check out the LoveTrainer.

You may remember Sega Toys teaming up with Itami to create the FiTrainer, a funky set of headphones equipped with a pulse sensor and a batch of short messages to help you work your way through the pain barrier as you exercise.

Well, this is the amorous version where narrator messages like 'work harder' have been replaced with 'Following the beat, make love much harder'.

Other choice messages you'll hear as you impress your loved one include:

BA To Permit Mobile Use On Planes, But No Phone-Calls January 28, 2009

READ MORE Announcements , Mobile Devices , Mobile phones , Online

The days of stewardesses interrupting your game of 'Snake' and paranoid passengers accusing you of putting a flight in danger may be coming to an end, following an announcement today by British Airways.

From Q4 this year, those travelling business class from London to New York will be able to leave their phones turned on to send text messages, emails and browse the internet.

This hasn't extended to voice calls yet, possibly because planes like stinging you for expensive in-flight phones but also as a courtesy to other passengers, who are unlikely to want to hear you hollering at the other-half about why it's not your fault you're running late.

Wii-Related Injuries On The Up January 28, 2009

READ MORE Consoles , Games , Wii

Yesterday's news that Nintendo will be launching a channel in Japan to complement the Wii Fit will be bittersweet for those who have experienced a number of reported ailments due to the console.

Doctors in the US and other countries have been dealing with cases that include 'Wii-itis', 'Wii-elbow', 'Wii-knee' and other associated conditions involving the shoulders, wrists and back.