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7 Gadgets We’re Looking Forward to This Year
Jose Fermoso/InsideTech.com
August 20, 2009
Just like with movies and video games, the fall season is the best time to find the best new gadgets. Check out our sample of the best of the best for late 2009, including the potential release of the mythical Apple ‘iTablet.’
Check out the gadgets below!
1. Zune HD
The upcoming Zune HD is the first big upgrade to Microsoft’s main media player in two years and comes with two features we’ve hoped for in this handheld’s product line: a glass OLED touch-screen (3.3 inches wide, 480 × 272 pixel resolution), and a polished, music-focused UI that can compete with Apple’s iPod.
The new UI is supposed to push related information (like pictures, a bio, and additional related music) to the screen while a song is in rotation. Matched with an improved Zune Marketplace and WiFi accessibility, this feature could offer users an excellent on-the-go download and music-recommendation service. Early looks at the player have also revealed new menus that place thumbnails of often-used content a touch away, with smart category sorting.
Other features:
- A mod IE browser that’s already getting raves as the best seen in a portable device since the iPhone.
- 720p video output via a dock (to be purchased separately) could be useful if you take your videos on the road and need to blow them up on a big screen.
- The Zune’s good audio fidelity improves with an HD radio tuner and EQ DSP.
- Relatively cheap. Prices were leaked on Amazon.com this week, and the $219 for a 16GB model and $289 for 32GB seem like a deal compared to the more expensive iPod Touch.
- Integrated Bing. Microsoft’s new web search engine has its own button. If it works well with the browser, it could give Zune HD a lift.
Release Date: September 15, 2009.
jfermo
2 months ago
8 comments
@migone973: I think it's a done deal that Apple will come out with the tablet. Several sources have confirmed the company has been working on this type of a device for years, and it is telling that in recent months, no one has actively denied it. Not even Steve Jobs. I think it will be quite interesting -- especially for multimedia apps.
@ljordan15: New software is definitely part of the package with this new Zune and they are trying to improve the full experience, including the online business and the syncing.
migone973
3 months ago
2 comments
Do you really think this iTablet will come out? Or is this some sort of sick joke? One of these would be ideal!
Gusmackey
3 months ago
10 comments
Since they finally fixed the player, they really need to fix the Zune software, also it really would be nice if the Zune would synce with Windows MEdiplayer. The current Zune software sucks, it is in no way user friendly, etc... But the new player looks really prett I hope it actually works.
rishard
3 months ago
2 comments
I miss the creative massing of gadgets for every walk of life that use to be displayed at Sharper Image.
I know they were heavy on the CD stereos et al but they always had that odd item that you never knew you needed until you saw they had it. That's what I expected to see here, but really didn't.
HighwayofLife
3 months ago
4 comments
Sadly, the only thing that seemed reasonably "cool" in that list, is the mythical iTablet.
iPerk
3 months ago
76 comments
shamefully, I think I'd actually investigate one of those iTablets
stationkj
3 months ago
6 comments
none of these really got me excited, More apple stuff, a couple cameras and phones....I saw gadgets and thought "Hey maybe that combination flame-thrower/ chainsaw is finally coming out!"
How about the Crestron Prodigy home control system or anything more, um "gadget-ty" (if thats a word)?
nebuleux
3 months ago
24 comments
About time :-D I don't have to buy fancy lens structures now!