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Apple hosts 1 Biliion App Countdown

Posted: 12 Apr 2009 01:43 PM PDT

- It’s no surprise that Apple will soon sell their one billionth application through the iTunes App Store. However, the way they are celebrating it is sort of neat, and something we don’t often see from Apple.

Zune HD: Is now the right time for Microsoft?

Posted: 12 Apr 2009 12:08 PM PDT

We all know that Apple is the obvious leader and a pioneer in MP3 player innovations. They have enjoyed that seat for many years now, meeting limited competition. No matter what other companies such as and others create, Apple is still the favored brand in the eyes of the consumer. A few days ago, Engadget had received some artwork claiming to be the newest member of the Microsoft Zune lineup, the Zune HD. Without specs, all we had to go on was the name and pictures. Many are claiming that the Zune HD is the real deal and not just some person playing around with Photoshop and coming out with something that looks good.

Just by the name of it, the newest Zune would obviously come with HD playback. With today’s advanced technology, it does make sense for a player to come with HD playback, but of course, there are many factors that dictate the success of such a player. I’ll admit it right now, I like to support the underdog so in this case I would want the Zune HD to succeed, but I have to think about the timing. Is now the right time for the Zune HD?

Why they should launch the Zune HD as soon as possible

No matter what type of device Microsoft creates, they never seem to hit the magic formula Apple is able to consistently hit. Don’t get me wrong, they create some respectable products, but Apple has always been one above them. Microsoft has long enjoyed the popularity of Windows, but even that is coming back down fast. Microsoft needs to bolster their reputation in the MP3 player department, otherwise the Zune can be considered a waste. The only way to do better than Apple is to design a product that meets the public’s needs in an affordable manner. The device they release should contain features that the leading iPod does not. For instance, if Microsoft were to launch a Zune HD, it would already contain features that the iPod does not, HD playback.

In addition, rumor has it that it will be a touch device, with only one button, and it will be smaller than the iPod Touch in terms of size, but right up there in capacity. I imagine there to be Wi-Fi connectivity as well as a built-in browser, again, similar to the iPod Touch. In terms of availability, word is floating around that it will be available sometime in September-October. A Fall release would mean it after all the . However, the timing could conflict with something, which I will get to in the next part.

Why Microsoft should hold off on the launch of the Zune HD

The main concern here is with the launch of all the phones, Microsoft making Windows 7 available and ready to go, as well as the possibility of there being a new iPod in September, a Zune HD could get lost in the shuffle. The whole idea is to go head-to-head with Apple, but if the Zune HD will not be ready in time due to Microsoft’s focus being divided among other products, then there is no point in producing a product that is not game-ready. Microsoft needs to product the best Zune they can, containing all of the necessary components that make a superb MP3 player.

Now, you have to consider that with the emergence of the Palm Pre sometime soon, the iPhone 3.0 software, and the T-Mobile private launch event, consumers are going to be purchasing either a Pre, an iPhone, or a new T-Mobile G2. Would they want a Zune HD on top of it all? Especially if they have a good working iPod/Zune already? The worst thing Microsoft can do is release the Zune HD right after Apple either releases a totally new iPod or upgrades an old one. If Apple chooses not to create a new device, or upgrade an old one heavily, then the timing would be right for Microsoft to go ahead. However, the summer looks to be an interesting one with all these new gadgets in a slumping economy. Companies, especially Microsoft, are going to have to play their cards exceptionally well in order for their respective products to succeed.

I, for one, can’t wait to see what Microsoft will do with the Zune HD, hopefully they release some details soon, because they really have started getting people excited. It may just be the ticket Microsoft has been looking for all these years.

Weekly Roundup 12th April 2009

Posted: 12 Apr 2009 10:20 AM PDT

Hope everyone has had a good weekend so far, the above were some of the gadgets and tech we featured this week. Its not always possible to talk about them all here at GadgetLite so the list of links from our neighbouring friends’ blogs below hopefully gives you a bit more for your craving needs! If you own a tech, gadget blog yourself you can always some links to be shared and featured in this list, for now have a good weekend everyone!

By the way, just a reminder, anyone can take part in our current free gadget giveaway: , due to end on the 30th April, this month. We look forward to hearing and seeing comments from everyone!

Everyone: Folks, we’re having an issue showing videos in our feed right now, this is since we upgraded to Wordpress 2.7. We hope to fix it soon, meanwhile if you see a blank video slot, just click on the post’s link and you will see it properly on our site, sorry about this!

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Microsoft and Yahoo once again in talks

Posted: 12 Apr 2009 10:08 AM PDT

Microsoft and Yahoo? Back in 2008 it seemed we couldn’t do anything about hearing something about Microsoft buying up Yahoo. The deal never worked, possibly because of then Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang who seemed to dislike the idea. But, Yahoo now has a new CEO, Carol Bartz, and it seems she might be more open to the idea of being bought by Microsoft.

According to unnamed sources in both the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, Microsoft and Yahoo are once again in talks. The talks may not be for a full buyout as the earlier ones were, but for a potential partial buyout. Microsoft could potentially just end up turning over its Internet display functions to Yahoo, and let Yahoo take control of both its and Microsoft’s online ad display. It could potentially make Microsoft and Yahoo a stronger opponent to Google in the Internet search advertising market, which is owned and dominated by Google.

Even if the ideas being floated now are for partial buyouts or partnerships, both companies may need them to compete. Google has such a commanding lead in Internet search and advertising, that just trying to improve on what Google does isn’t working out too well for Microsoft and Yahoo. The two might need these possible ideas to work out if they want to really compete. Even if the two do combine their efforts, it remains to be seen if they could still compete with Google. With so many services that Google offers, its sometimes just easier to use Google because its right there at the top of the page when using all of them. Although, maybe Microsoft and Yahoo can work on some cloud computing to compete with Google, which might draw some users away from Google.

So Hot Right Now: Top 10 Gadgetell posts for the week of April 05, 2009

Posted: 12 Apr 2009 09:32 AM PDT

Haven’t caught all of the Gadgetell news this week? Here's your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles!

DXG goes after sporty-types with the DXG-125V

Posted: 12 Apr 2009 08:29 AM PDT

DXG goes after sporty-types with the DXG-125V There are plenty of little pocket camcorders these days. DXG is trying some things to differentiate themselves from the competition. Take a look a the DXG-125V. This is a HD camcorder that is meant for sporty types. DXG did some research and found out that their users are very active people.

The 125V is meant for those people. The device has the words "Weather Proof" emblazoned on it because it is resistant to water and dust proof. The exterior is also coated in rubber so it won't slip out of your hands.

When I got a chance to mess with the camera, it was very light and definitely felt like something you could just throw in your backpack. It is not going to replace a full fledged camcorder, but it definitely seems up to shooting quick clips or B roll. DXG has also thrown in an MP3 player and voice recorder in the 125V. Watching video on your TV is also simple since the device has an HDMI out that works with an included cable.

It records at 720P resolution at 30 fps and will be available in 3 colors: red, olive green, and ice camouflage. The DXG-125V will cost $99.99 and will be out in July, 2009. Expect to see the device in the usual retail chains and also in places like Dick's Sporting Goods since DXG is going after active folks.

Appletell giveaway: PhotoSpot and Droste Effect for iPhone, iPod touch

Posted: 12 Apr 2009 07:22 AM PDT

- This week, Appletell is giving away five copies of each of two photo related apps: Photo Spot by Nexx Studio, and Droste Effect by Gabe Jacobs Productions.

Packard Bell unveils the 10.1, 11.6-inch Dot netbooks

Posted: 12 Apr 2009 06:23 AM PDT

Packard Bell unveils the 10.1, 11.6-inch Dot netbooks Despite pulling the 8.9-inch Dot netbook a few months back, it seems that Packard Bell is going to continue expanding in the netbook market. Just recently they have announced two new models in the Dot lineup. They have unveiled the 10.1-inch Dot S and the 11.6-inch Dot M.

Aside from the display size, both models have fairly similar specs which include 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and also multi-touch trackpads. Additionally, they also have a built-in webcam and a 5-in1 card reader. The Dot M will be powered by a 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520 processor which is slightly slower than the “default netbook” processor, but at the same time it should help to improve the battery life just a little.

As for pricing and availability, the Dot S is expected to hit the stores this week with the Dot M following later this month. The Dot S is going to retail for 299 Euros (about $393 US) and the Dot M will come in a bit higher at 399 Euros (about $524 US), and judging from the pricing it does not look like we are going to see any US availability.

Overall, there seems to be nothing overly exciting about either of these models, except maybe for a slight bit of nostalgia. I can remember having a Packard Bell way back when I thought a 486 was about as good as it could be, and yes I realize that may date me just a little.