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New Game World Exclusive | The Consumer Tech Column

By Lee Danuff and Richard M. Sherwin

 

No matter what you purchased or didn't purchase last holiday, here's a rundown on what's in for this Spring shopping season and maybe seasons to come in the video gaming, toy, consumer electronics, personal computer and multimedia product categories.

Cameras and Camcorders

The IFlip: This video camera is a handy under $100 product that anyone can use and is the selling out at Costco, as well as several on line stories. Pocket-sized with one-touch recording and digital zoom, the IFLIP can hold up to 60 minutes of TV-quality video on 1GB of built-in memory -- with no tapes or additional memory cards required. Its convenient USB arm plugs directly into your computer for easy sharing and archiving. For those who don't know what do when you get your videos into your PC, the IFLIP's built-in software lets you easily e-mail videos, share them on YouTube or Grouper, edit footage, and capture still photos from video.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 8.1MP Digital Camera: The Lumix lens in the Panasonic digital camera is considered the finest in its category. And now the Lumix family of digital still cameras has expanded with the Lumix DMC-FZ18, an 8.1-megapixel compact camera with an impressive 18x optical zoom. In addition to a premium 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens, the DMC-FX18 is one of the first Panasonic digital cameras to offer the revolutionary Intelligent Auto Mode, which includes Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Continuous Autofocus functions, allowing users to easily capture clear, professional-quality images in any situation or setting.
Crayola Sakar Digital Camera for Kids: The Crayola EZ Grip digital camera looks like loads of fun. Cleverly designed for little hands, this camera comes equipped with proprietary 'ColorGenie' software that includes a 'write a story' template, printable frames, and the ability to create finger puppets out of images. It also includes puzzles and games.
Portable GPS Systems

While Tom-Tom had most of the market share the last few years in the realm of all things GPS, other companies have become the choice for many buyers as of late. The Garmin Street Pilot c330, for example is proving to be highly successful. Featuring a 3.5-inch LCD screen, the device features an internal battery and come equipped with preloaded maps of the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. While most say that the device is easier to use than most of the multimedia based GPS systems currently available, Tom Tom units are NOT COMPATIBLE with most Verizon mobile phones. Therefore, the price of the units has dropped significantly despite being dependable and easy to use... LG, MIO, AudioVox have entered the market with at least several CE branded units that will also be available by Thanksgiving.
On the high end, the Garmin Nuvi 660 comes with a MP3 player, photo viewer, Bluetooth (for mobile phone connection that acts like a speakerphone in your car), Traffic Warning system and long life battery for use as a walking or bicycle tool. It has been the best seller at most retail stores.
Magellan, the company that created the GPS category, is making a strong comeback at retail this year offering The Maestro at selected retailers. The under $550 unit, has all the bells and whistles of the competition, but makers hope that the new operating system and touch screen feature set, will propel the company back to the top. Features include Voice Command & Control, built-in AAA Travel Information, and Bluetooth hands-free calling.
The Bluetooth Brigade

Com One has nearly sold out of its portable WiFi clock-radio. The battery-powered "Phoenix IP Radio" literally receives thousands of streaming radio stations from all over the world. In addition, it receives thousands of Internet-only radio stations. The company also produces a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver which can easily and wirelessly stream music from the Com One IP radio or any iPod, MP3 player to a laptop device. The radio costs about $200 and the Bluetooth receiver-transmitter costs about $150.
Logitech: The venerable accessory company was first out of the box with Blue Tooth and still leads Microsoft, Belkin and Griffin with this technology. The model 500 keyboard-mouse combo features Wireless: Plug and play right out of the box and includes a Wireless Mini-Receiver that can also be used for connecting VoIP headsets, mobile phone cameras, and headphones. The keyboard features a One-Touch Media center to control music, video, internet and images, with an LCD Keyboard Display that let's you get email notifications, date, time and more at a glance. The unit also employs a Rechargeable Mouse that goes with a rapid-charging station and battery indicator light.
Logitech MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse - Play air guitar? How about air computer? The Logitech MX Air Rechargeable Cordless Air Mouse works on your desk or in the air. Advanced laser technology gives you precise tracking and instant response. Innovative Freespace™ motion sensing transforms hand motions into natural, responsive cursor controls. Sit back and listen to music, browse photos, or surf the Web from your desk or across the room.

Home Goods

Saving the Ire of the Spouse in a wired home... If your significant other, spouse, or roommate is upset that they can't go more than a few feet without getting tangled in a mass of audio-video-PC wires and cables, here are a few products that save space and, hopefully some tension.

Move over Sonicare and Braun, a spin-off of the venerable electric toothbrush has arrived - and is starting to take a bite from the industry leaders. Ultreo, developed at the University of Washington with the aide of some ex-Philips and Sonicare engineers, represents the first major innovation in the power toothbrush category in 15 years, say some industry gurus. Dr. Pierre Mourad, a research associate professor in the University of Washington, Department of Neurological Surgery, created this new device using ultrasound waveguide technology coupled with sonic bristle action. To the layman, this handy and ultra-effective product means one of the top choices of gifts for the holiday season.
Panasonic's Wireless Freedom features a wireless rear speaker so you can place it wherever you like -- without the clutter of cables. You can also expand your listening enjoyment into three additional rooms with the SH-FX85 wireless multi-room speaker kit. If you want the complete package, you might want to check out the Panasonic SC-PT1050 Deluxe 5 DVD Home Theater System of course, which is a $500 total home audio video solution.
Boston Acoustics Tvee Model Two consists of a slim, single "soundbar" that can be placed above or below a television. Additionally, it can be easily mounted on the wall. The matching wireless bass speaker can also be placed anywhere in the room to deliver added dynamic bass response. In essence, you can get great fidelity from this device without any extraneous speakers around the room.
Griffin Technology, maker of all things iPod, has begun shipping its Evolve Wireless Sound System for MP3 players... Evolve ($299.99) is the first widely available digital sound system for iPod and other digital devices. Evolve features speakers that are both rechargeable and wireless that need no power outlets or physical connection to the base station. Evolve is built for everyone who wants a simple, elegant way to play music throughout the home or workplace, without the hassle of speaker and power wires.
Franklin's Translators/Spellers
A perennial best seller at all forms of retail, the completely updated and redesigned, Speaking Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition features new content, along with improved viewing and accessibility. The device contains the updated Merriam-Webster's 11th Edition Collegiate Dictionary, including biographical and geographical entries, as well as Merriam-Webster's Concise Dictionary of English Usage, Guide to Punctuation and Style, and a Dictionary of Quotations.

 

Also from Franklin is the Speaking Global Translator which contains over 450,000 written words, 12,000 phrases, and 115,000 audio words in a recorded human voice. The device incorporates 12 languages, including Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. To use, simply enter a word in your native language. The device can show you the word on the screen or say it out loud in any of the 12 languages. A voice recording feature allows you to record custom words and phrases appropriate to travel or business needs. Additionally, the predictive spelling feature can help you with misspelled words. A 7-line screen aids with visibility in this lightweight unit. The device also incorporates an MP3 player, an organizer, local/world clock, and calculator.

Satellite Gets More Sirius
Despite merger talks, Sirius is now edging up to leader XM both in subscriber sales and hardware accessories. The Howard Stern/NFL led service is offering a myriad of home, car, portable and combination radios for its customers. Hottest items include the Stiletto 2 which combines a Sirius radio with your own personal MP3 music library for a total portable digital audio solution The $329 device lets you enjoy live Sirius radio from satellites or via WiFi. You can also listen to Sirius programming you have stored in its memory. For additional memory, users can add a microSD™ card for even more stored content.

The $169 Sportster 5 features a multi-color display, simple navigation, and anything else you might need to enjoy Sirius in your vehicle. Optional universal accessory docking kits and audio systems easily allow the radio to be used in your home, boat, office or in additional vehicles.
Tivo Wins Again
Despite strong competition from Motorola and several off-branded DVRs from cable and satellite companies, TiVo's new HD units, have beaten down the other personal video recorders in nearly every survey. The new units feature dual tuners so you can watch and record at the same time. The award winning Series 3 HD model (as low as $499 plus monthly fees) contains 300 hours of high definition content. And for those on a budget, the Series 2 model is available for as low as $49.
Next Gen Game Systems
Some folks have bought Sony's Playstation 3 for its built in Blu-Ray player and high-end sophisticated games. Others like Microsoft's Xbox 360 for its HD player. However Nintendo has overwhelmed both behemoths with its universally appealing console. From pre-school to senior citizen home, the Wii and its cadre of easy to use accessories are by far and away the market leader in all age categories.

 

Now as popular in Tween homes as well as Senior Centers, the Nintendo WII, has done what its bigger rivals Sony and Microsoft couldn't do. They have an across the ages success. In addition they have made video games a health initiative. Video game fitness may sound like an oxymoron, but if the makers of the Wii have their say, getting healthy in front of the television may be de rigueur. Wii Fit incorporates the head banging antics of soccer, the calm next and flexibility of yoga as well as the endurance and strength from sit ups. What's next? Virtual mountain climbing?

Blu-Ray Disc Players
Sony BDB-S300 1080p Blu-Ray Disc Player: If you're really into Blu-Ray, Sony, the ones who helped create it, has lowered the price on their newest disc player. The player features the crystalline clarity of 1080p Blu-ray Disc movies and DVD upscaling, amazing 24p True Cinema output and cinema-tuned picture presets that allow you to see movies exactly how the director intended. And with BRAVIA. Theatre Sync, now you can control your compatible BRAVIA TV and AV systems from just one remote.
Hybrid Phones
LG KE850 Prada Mobile Phone: What would you expect from a phone named Prada? Of course this candybar handset is attractive and slim, but it's also got an impressive large color screen that is bright and responsive. There's a video player that supports MPEG-4 and H.263 formats, an FM radio and a music player that supports MP3 and ACC files that allows you to shuffle tracks. Incorporated is an expandable microSD slot for storing all your favorite music and videos (a 256MB card is included) and a 2 megapixel camera.

Panasonic BB-GT1540 Globarange Hybrid two-line Cordless Phone: Can't decide whether to go VoIP or landline? If you want the cost-saving features of Internet calling and the advantages of landline services such as 911 access and fax compatibility, the Panasonic Globarange Hybrid lets you do both by combining Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) broadband technology with traditional landline telephone capability.

MP3 Players
The latest MP3 player from Samsung has created a buzz among the electronics industry with the P2. Featuring a 3" screen, the device is designed not only to play songs, but full length movies (thanks to partner Cinema Now). The intuitive touch screen with 'Emoture' finger-gesture technology allows you to control the menu and features with a 'flick' of your finger. Slide your finger across the screen to turn up the volume -- it's that easy. The unit also includes Bluetooth 2.0, so you can share your music with up to 2 other people. In December the Bluetooth feature will allow you to make and receive calls directly from the P2, without ever touching your Bluetooth enabled cellular phone. Along with extras like the customizable GUI, FM Radio, Voice Recording, text file support for e-books and much more, you'll never get bored.
Emergency Preparedness
American Red Cross Radio Line by Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio:
Floods, fires... hey, you never know. Who doesn't need one of these dependable hand-crank power generators these days? This one features AM/FM/TV/Weather radio, built-in LED flashlight, cell phone charger and emergency siren. It's lightweight and portable, easy to grab on the run. It will keep you posted even where there are limited power sources.
Headphones
The Sennheiser PXC 450: This product will give Bose a run for their money. The PXC 450 from Sennheiser is a circumaural high-end travel headphone set with NoiseGard™ 2.0 technology and TalkThrough function for the best possible attenuation of ambient noise. It provides an unprecedented sound experience for people on the move, thanks to its adaptive baffle damping in combination with the patented Duofol diaphragms, which prevent unwanted partial oscillation and guarantee a highly natural, lifelike sound quality.

Toys
Pleo Dinosaur - An (almost real) life Form from Ugobe:
Robotic pets have been around for at least a decade, but Ugobe's technology has taken the mechanical pet way into the future with its life-like prehistoric creatures. The Pleo is a dinosaur that is equipped with dozens of sensors (it even knows when it's at the edge of a table!), that is sensitive to light, touch and sound. The creature, says makers, can develop its own personality, moods and habits based on the how you treat it and how long you spend time with it. Owners even have the choice of downloading new sounds to modify the little dino with custom behaviors. The jaw dropping technology comes with a jaw dropping price (for a toy, at least) at $200. But, at least you don't feed it!

Spykee the Spy robot, by Erector: This latest build-your-own Erector set from Nikko America does everything from play digital music to guard your home or business. Far more than your ordinary toy robot, Spykee has the ability to move, observe, speak, and respond to commands. With a built-in video camera and microphone, the robot takes real-time pictures with video and sound effects. Owners can even use Spykee as a night watchman: when motion is detected, Spykee activates an alarm or can send a picture by email to a specified user. Compatible with Skype 3.0 (PC) technology, Spykee can also be used as a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone and web camera. He comes equipped with a WiFi card, which means kids can access and control Spykee via the Internet from anywhere in the world. This may be a good feature, especially if you want to torment your little brother while you're at summer camp!

FLY Fusion Pentop Computer by Leap Frog: This handy device is both a pen and a computer that gives kids a fun, innovative way to record and organize class notes, get help with math homework, study for tests, and much more! It doesn't need a keyboard; just write anything from algebraic equations to doodles with the pen on the specially designed FLY Paper. The Pen Computer will read back what was written, scan it, digitize it, and make it available for upload to a personal computer. Kids can do whatever they want with the data -- email to friends or even transfer the data to a research paper. The Pentop Computer can also download additional programs that are available for separate purchase.

ClickStart My First Computer by LeapFrog:
Want to keep you toddler away from your high-end computer, but give her the educational content that is readily available on the Internet? ClickStart may be the answer. Though the device looks like a toy, it's a real computer that transforms your TV into an interactive PC. The wireless keyboard is light, so kids can bring the entertainment wherever they go. My First Computer features a child-friendly wireless keyboard, plug and play console, and a child-sized mouse with a right- or-left-handed adjustable mouse pad. The miniature mouse is perfectly formed for little fingers to point and click. Large, colored buttons make it easy for kids to learn basic keystrokes, and four friendly games create a safe, age-appropriate environment to navigate.

I-Que Personal Robot by Manley:
It moves around like a Roomba, but instead of vacuuming up dust, it spits out tons of knowledge. An interactive robot for kids ages 8 years and up, the i-Que can spell, pronounce, and define 80,000 words from the Merriam-Webster Intermediate Dictionary, thanks to its text-to-speech technology. It has fun, educational content like "Word of the Day" and "This Day in History" stored in the robot's permanent memory. And it can expand its knowledge base with personal interaction. Using speech recognition, the toy can identify its owner's voice, have a two-way "conversation," retain new words, and even mimic accents. An included communicator similar to a Blackberry lets you text the i-Que from a remote location in the house and receive a response. This communicator attaches to the robot so it can learn personal information about you, such as your birthday, friends names, calendar of events, and more.

Tekno Dog by Manley:
He reacts to sound, sight and touch, and obeys several radio-controlled commands. He walks forward, backward, right and left, moves his head, and wags his tail when he's happy. He has smooth, lifelike movements, and magnetic sensors allow him to play with his ball and chomp on his bone. He expresses his moods through light-up eyes and body language, just like a real pooch. Only this one doesn't need to be walked.

V. Smile TV Learning System by V Tech:
V-Smile turns the TV into an educational learning system that teaches children basic school skills through interactive TV gaming. Like most video gaming systems, it connects directly to your TV. Created especially for a preschooler's active hands and minds, the system also includes a storage compartment that holds up to 6 "Smartridges" and a jumbo wireless joystick designed for both left and right handed users.

Kid Tough Digital Camera - Blue by Fisher Price:
This device is a real digital camera that's tough enough-and easy enough-for kids to take, view and even print their own digital pictures. The new Blue version (there's also a new pink - for girls version) features a color LCD preview screen that lets kids instantly see the pictures they've taken, 2-eye viewing (which makes it easy to look through the viewfinder), sturdy, dual handgrips for a steady shot and big buttons that make it easy for little hands to use. Controls are simple for kids to understand - no reading required. Built-in auto flash Stores over 60 pictures, with 8 MB built-in memory SD memory card slot for increased storage capacity (SD card sold separately).

Hot Helicopter Battles From Up North:
One of the hottest toy companies is Canadian company Spin Master. Their Air Hogs Battling Havoc Remote Control Helicopters let you shoot your enemy down from the sky via infrared. Battle your friends by flying into position and 'fire; from the <> controller to send your enemies crashing to the ground in a wild tailspin. Set includes 2 helicopters and controllers with infrared targeting and authentic battle sounds.

Screenlife:
Screenlife, LLC, the innovative creator of the world's first DVD board game and Mattel announced an end to travel boredom with Scene It? Movie, TV and Junior Travel Editions. Busy travelers can pass the time this holiday with compact travel <> tins that fold out into the Flextime game board, hold game pieces, and a DVD filled with real clips, trivia questions and on-screen challenges. Each edition packs the excitement of the original games into convenient trivia to go. In addition to Scene It? Travel Editions, Screenlife and Mattel recently released the highly anticipated sequel to the game that started it all with Scene It? Movie 2nd Edition. With real scenes, trivia challenges and puzzlers from the latest Hollywood hits and fan favorites including Walk the Line, The Devil Wears Prada, King Kong and more.

Table Games:
Combining fun with function, the Delta Game Table puts your child's favorite Hasbro board games together all at one table! Featuring Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land and Checkers, the Delta Game Table is a complete game center. The Delta Game Table set includes two die-cut back chairs, storage drawers and actual game boards with the full sets of pieces.

For the even younger set, Fischer-Price has introduced the Smart Cycle here to work both bodies and mind. Simply hook the $100 device into a television and pedal your way to learn numbers and letters. It's got a personal backing from exercise guru Richard Simmons - how bad can it be?
The smash hit High School Musical2 has spawned a host of board and video games for tweens who can't get enough of their Disney heroes. Most notably is High School Musical: Sing It! a karaoke-style game that puts players into the shoes of students from the film. Three modes of play are offered, including Party, which sees friends compete in a singing competition, while Story asks players to choose their favorite character as they sing their way through songs from the movie. The title will also allow gamers to pick up the Wii Remote to play percussion instruments such as the tambourine, snare drum and cowbell. On Nintendo DS, the game High School Musical: Makin' the Cut allows players to choose a character before competing in a series of musical dance competitions across the US to win the national title.
You might not be able to buy tickets to her sold-out concerts, but you can buy just about anything else Hannah Montana-related for the holiday season. The video offerings include Hannah Montana: Music Jam for Nintendo DS that help the character learn how to play music and compete against rivals. On the Wii, gamers can dance with Hannah and dress her in star studded outfits to get her ready for concerts.
Guitar manufacturer Washburn has even teamed up with Disney to deliver an actual 3/4-sized acoustic and eclectic guitar with Hannah's face emblazoned on the front. Rock on!
Jumping on the rock and roll bandwagon, probably thanks in part to the success of the ever popular Guitar Hero for Xbox 360, Playstation and Wii, Mattel is offering the standalone I Can Play guitar that lets user practice strumming, along with finger positions to let kids play songs with both hands.
Hasbro's newest electric toy guitar is called the Power Tour electric guitar that can be purchased with an additionally priced amp. And just like the rock g-ds from Spinal Tap, their amp volume goes up to 11! Kids have the ability to learn up to six songs on the touch sensitive device.
Webkinz, the hit of last year's holiday season, remains as popular as ever. The plush toys let kids explore safe virtual worlds, via a unique code on the animal's hangtag. Once logged in with the code, kids can design their own room, play educational games or chat - safely - with friends. A happy medium between parents and kids!
Ty has their girlie-girl version of Webkinz with Tygirlz.com. Rockin' music combined with funky animation and smart games makes this online Web site a hit among young girls.
For the boys, Spin Master has introduced Swypeout, part TV game, part collectable trading card. Rev your engines and race to be the best driver. The set comes with a USB scanner that lets you customize your car as well as upgrade your racer to play against friends or compete with others anywhere in the world. As you win you can acquire more upgrades and weapons.
The craze of American Idol has also produced an electronic game Called American Idol Talent Challenge, the game consists of a console that connects to the TV and your DVD player. Contestants sing, compete and face the judges for a final determination of talent/non-talent.
Bratz has also joined the online community with Be Bratz.com. The exclusive Web site allows kids to customize their own Bratz and pet, shop for food furniture and fancy duds and chats with other Bratz characters. The USB key to enter the Bratz world doubles as a necklace to wear anywhere.
And let's not forget about Barbie The Barbie MP3 player not only lets you listen to your favorite tunes, but allows girls to enter a virtual Barbie world with chat rooms and games.
The latest craze in craft is Aqua Dots, tiny colorful beads that connect together to make 3-D designs. All you need is water and your imagination. Create the designs on an included template and spray water over the design. In minutes, the beads become a sculpture.
Crayola Tadoodles are a new line of crayons, paints and markers designed for the littlest hands - even 18 month year olds. The non-toxic products don't even have caps, so there's no choking hazard for infants and toddlers.
Wanna get up close and personal? Plug Jakks Pacific's Eyeclops into your computer and you'll see anything you want magnified up to 200 times normal size. A built in LED lights up any object for easy viewing.
Squawkers McCaw is an interactive parrot that can not only repeat what you say, but can be programmed to respond to certain phrases. The bird can sing and dance to music and features more than 45 phrases and sounds effects.
What's it like to be a Hollywood producer, director, or actor? Now kids can whet their celebrity-appetite bybecoming one. The RipRoar Creation station includes a full resolution camera, tripod and green screen. You can film, edit, upload pictures and even replace the green screen with background images, sounds or other visual effects. For the brave, there's a feature that lets you upload your film to YouTube or other online video sharing sites.
Your kids want to IM. You want to keep them safe from lurking strangers on the Internet. Now you can have the best of both worlds with Girl Tech's IM-Me a wireless Internet messaging system. Plug the dongle into a PC and you can message only people in your address book (and within range).
Hasbro's Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition combines the best of the classic Monopoly with updated electronics transactions. As with the original version, players still operate with money, learn real-world economics, competition and strategy, try to stay out of jail, and try their best to get filthy rich. But this version has been updated to reflect changes in how the real world uses money: All transactions are conducted with Monopoly's new banking card system. Anyone from age 8 and up will enjoy this updated version of one of the world's most famous games. And if you don't have time for the full length version you can now play and be challenged with 20-minute versions of Monopoly, Scrabble, and Sorry.