Amazon Vs. Apple Be Damned: Publishers Pine for a Universal E-Book Format

Giants and upstarts of publishing gathered at the annual BookExpo America last week agreed e-books will transform the business, but believe the big change will come when there is a standard format across which all e-books can be published and shared.

The industry has been going through a tumultuous period as Apple and Amazon duke it out for dominance in the nascent market for electronic books.

Both want their devices — the iPad and the Kindle — to be the one consumers use to read e-books, and each wants to be the biggest virtual store were such content is sold.

For Michael Serbinis, chief executive of Kobo, a company that allows users to buy e-books and read them on most devices, that battle is a distraction to the real changes coming.

"Today you can buy a book at Barnes and Noble and you can buy a book at Walmart and you don’t have to keep them in separate rooms in your house," he said. "You buy a book from Apple and Amazon and you have got to keep it tied up with your Apple universe or your Kindle universe."

Ultimately, consumers want freedom, said David Shanks, chief executive of leading publisher Penguin Group USA.

"Our fondest wish is that all the devices become agnostic so that there isn’t proprietary formats and you can read wherever you want to read," Shanks told Reuters. "First we have to get a standard that everybody embraces."

The issue, he said, is the fear of piracy and how to set a common digital rights management system to thwart it.

Read More...

Amazon Vs. Apple Be Damned: Publishers Pine for a Universal E-Book Format

Read more...

Treat Yourself to a Worthy Movie Experience with this Sony Blu-ray Disc Player

Sony's BDP-S360 Blu-ray disc player delivers full high-definition 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema output. It decodes the latest advanced audio codecs, and is capable for BD-Live with your broadband internet connection. Featuring up to 7.1 channels of high-definition sound, it supports Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD audio codecs, and also includes a quick start-up mode which takes just six seconds to begin operating the player from the moment it is turned on. And navigation of the player's menus is a breeze thanks to the icon-based, award winning Xross Media Bar menu system.

Blu-ray disc movies are mastered at 24 frames per second, and most Hollywood movies are shot at 24 frames per second, so it is only fitting that the Sony BDP-S360 Blu-ray disc player can output your films at 1080/24p for a true film-like experience at home. However, for more traditional HDTV sets, Sony Blu-ray disc players can also output at 1080/60p.

Developed for high-definition disc-based media, the Sony BDP-S360 Blu-ray player is compatible with Dolby TrueHD, the next-generation in lossless technology from Dolby. Dolby TrueHD delivers tantalizing sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master, unlocking the true high-definition entertainment experience on next-generation discs. When coupled with high-definition video, Dolby TrueHD offers an unprecedented home theater experience in both sound and picture alike.

In the past, most audio codecs used compression that actually removes some sound data to transmit audio from the disc to the audio circuitry. This means that what you hear is a subset of the original audio. However, newer formats allow the audio to be compressed but not discarded, allowing the original audio to come through once it's been decoded. This player allows you to stream the audio out via HDMI to a capable receiver or through analog 7.1 outputs for maximum compatibility with your high end receiver.


Purchase:

• Sony BDP-S360 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player [$129.99]

Related Products:

• Mediabridge Ultra Series - 6ft High Speed HDMI Cable [$9.99]

Treat Yourself to a Worthy Movie Experience with this Sony Blu-ray Disc Player

Read more...

Upgrade Your Sound and Style with Sennheiser CX300 Earphones

The earphones that came with your new media player may not be up to what you expect. For the money, these earphones are the best way to upgrade the sound from your iPod or MP3 player. There is so much electronic equipment in use in today's modern world that it is necessary for users to think seriously about the kind of the styling and quality of the earphones they use for their personal stereo equipment.

A majority of styles users previously used for portable music players such as the Walkman and Discman are not built for high quality sound like you'd expect nowadays with your iPod's and MP3 players. One of the most important features today is the weight of the headphones; unlike a stand-alone player, MP3 players and iPod's cannot operate without a headset. This means users are plugged into a set of earphones for extended time frames and comfort is of utmost importance.

As previously mentioned, users need earphones that are lightweight and fit comfortably into their ears. When you are wearing earphones for an extended period of time the last thing you want to do is lug around a chunky pair of headphones that weigh you down and make your ears hurt after just a few hours of wear. Sound quality is also important along with the lack of outside interference.

With a powerful sounding bass and a very lightweight style, the Sennheiser CX300 earphones make them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Rubber tips made in several different sizes are included so that they fit comfortably for everyone, and they are replaceable, thus providing a longer life for your earphones.

The Sennheiser CX300 earphones are also compatible with many CD, DVD, and MP3 players with a 3.5mm headphone socket. This provides them with more versatility and saves money for the user who doesn't want to buy several pairs of earphones for different pieces of equipment. It is essential in today's technology market to have the flexibility of multiple use products that you can invest in a product with higher quality and a longer lifetime.

Sennheiser has provided a two-year warranty which also makes these earphones a sensible choice. When you combine all of the great features of the CX300, there is little doubt about the long-term potential of owning this model of earphones to use with your desktop or portable audio systems. The CX300 is the best partner for your player, your ears, and you.


Purchase:

• Sennheiser CX300-B Earbuds [$26.99]

Related Products:

• Clamshell Style Earphone Case [$7.89]
• 3 Pair Small Replacement Silicone Ear Tips [$2.25]
• 3 Pair Medium Replacement Silicone Ear Tips [$2.10]

Upgrade Your Sound and Style with Sennheiser CX300 Earphones

Read more...

Harman Kardon GLA-55 Speaker System - Raising the Bar in Desktop Audio

Looking like something out of Superman's Fortress of Solitude are Harmon Kardon's GLA-55 2.0 powered desktop speakers. With their sculpted, crystal-like appearance, and clear PMMA enclosure, the GLA-55 speakers are certainly conversation pieces. But the key question to ask of course if you're going to cough up the $999.00 is, how do they sound?

As if no one told the Harman Kardon engineers that they were working on computer speakers, the GLA-55's pack a lot of the same technology as Harman Kardon's high-end audiophile speakers. For example, the superior frequency range of the CMMD Lite tweeters gives the GLA-55s the clarity and versatility of a three-way speaker for the highs and mids, despite the two-way design.

The woofer is an Atlas AL, which claims to mimic the performance of an 18-inch woofer in a 3-inch package. The bass is clean, not booming, but you're definitely not going to feel cheated out of low-end. Helping with the heavy lifting on the bass is a variable-width port design that eliminates whacking distortion, and an enclosure made of PMMA (an acrylic used to make bulletproof glass) which creates a super-stiff, resonance-free enclosure for the woofers. All of this is powered by 110-watt integrated amps, so you don't need to worry about your input.

Volume is controlled through plus and minus touch-sensitive metal buttons on the left speaker. The buttons are very responsive and you can even quickly mute sound by pressing both the plus and minus signs simultaneously.

Since they're computer speakers you can use them for your PC gaming as well, thanks to the broad sound stage the GLA-55s can support. Because so much sound in games can be significantly compressed, however, you may notice yourself getting the most out of the GLA-55s by using your iTunes library more-so than your games directory.

Ultimately it's up to you to decide if you are willing to spend a thousand dollars on computer speakers, but keep in mind that there are many so-called audiophile speakers that don't sound nearly as good as these. Regardless of the price, the GLA-55 speakers are strong performers with virtually no downsides.

[via Amazon.com]


Purchase:

• Harman Kardon GLA-55 2.0 Loudspeaker System [$999.00]

Harman Kardon GLA-55 Speaker System - Raising the Bar in Desktop Audio

Read more...

New Range of LED TV's from LG in 2010

When LED TV's first burst onto the scene in 2009, Samsung held the torch for innovation and always had the widest range of models available, while other companies were producing just a few. In 2010 that all looks to change with LG's fantastic new line of LED's.

With a staggering 28 new LED models set to launch across 8 different ranges, LG has big plans to shake up the LCD/LED TV industry just a bit. From the top of the range 55" Infinia LE9500 local dimming LED-slim, 400HZ 3D ready LED TV with wireless technology, all the way down to the LE5300 series bringing forth LED back-lighting technology to smaller class LCD televisions, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Two new LED technologies providing cutting edge picture quality include the Full LED Slim technology, which provides very deep black colors, flawless picture quality, matched with a super-slim 8.5mm bezel, and LED Plus technology which offers improved picture quality compared to previous models, reduced energy consumption, at a more competitive price.

The flagship series are the INFINIA LX9900 models which are currently available in 47" and 55" versions. They come standard with LG’s Full LED Slim backlight technology, 3D technology, incredible 400Hz refresh rates, and are internet-ready. No wonder it won a "Best Of Innovation" award at this year's CES International.

LG will also be introducing a new line of smaller screen models than we've ever seen before, and the slim LED backlight versions will be available in 19, 22, and 26 inches. unfortunately not all will include full 1080p resolution.

With multiple other manufacturers releasing new ranges of LED TV's, they are likely to become standard in the way we watch television by the year's end.


Purchase:

• LG INFINIA 47LE8500 47" 1080p 120Hz Full LED Slim HDTV [$2,429.00]
• LG INFINIA 55LE8500 55" 1080p 240Hz Full LED Slim HDTV [$2,978.98]
• LG 42LH90 42" 1080p 240Hz LED Backlit HDTV [$1,077.77]
• LG 55LH90 55" 1080p 240Hz LED Backlit HDTV [$1,989.99]

New Range of LED TV's from LG in 2010

Read more...

Toshiba Mini NB305 Netbook - Sleeker Design and Improved Battery Life

Toshiba's latest mini netbook features a sleeker design and weighs less than 3 pounds. The extremely affordable, super-compact Toshiba Mini NB305 now has an 11 hour battery life rating, and offers a brightly colorful 10.1-inch LED-backlit screen that lasts longer, uses less power, and warms up quicker. It features a full-size keyboard for comfortable typing and a larger touchpad with Multi-Touch Control, which enables you the ability to pinch, swipe, rotate or scroll through images on the display screen with a simple brush of your fingers.

Combining the power of the latest Intel Atom N450 processor and NM10 Express chipset with a six-cell battery (5800 mAh) for up to 11 hours of power, going through an entire day of school or work without worrying about a recharge is now possible. The battery pack is hidden under the casing of the netbook to preserve its sleek, ergonomic design.

The 160GB hard disk drive is protected using an integrated 3D impact sensor which detects free-falls, shocks and vibrations. The Toshiba Mini also features a USB Sleep-and-Charge port, which allows external USB devices like cell phones and portable media players to charge even when the netbook is turned off.

With a built-in webcam and microphone, the Toshiba Mini allows you to chat face-to-face, collaborate with classmates, engage in video-conferencing, and generally improve the way you interact with people all around the world.

Toshiba's PC Health Monitor alerts you to issues before they become problems, constantly gauging your machine's temperature and power usage, while checking the hard drive to help protect against shocks.

Additionally, the Toshiba Mini NB305 netbook is EPEAT Gold Compliant, which is the highest possible ranking of the acclaimed Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, measuring products across 51 different dimensions.


Purchase:

• Toshiba Mini NB305-N310 10.1" Netbook [$290.30]

Related Products:

• Crucial Technology 2GB Netbook DRAM [$54.99]
• Toshiba Portable/Slim USB SuperMulti DVD-Writer [$64.34]

Toshiba Mini NB305 Netbook - Sleeker Design and Improved Battery Life

Read more...

Pre-Order Your Black Nintendo Wii and Sports Resort Bundle Now!

Since the birth of the Nintendo Wii back in '06, it has undoubtedly sparked an international revolution of interactive gaming and entertainment among people of all ages. The revolution continues and hopes to gain some much needed momentum with Nintendo's latest offering of a stylish new black Wii console and Wii Sports Resort bundle. Also included in the bundle are black versions of the Wii Remote, Nunchuk/Wii MotionPlus accessory, and the original Wii Sports game.

Wii MotionPlus connects directly to your controller and was designed for precision motion control by delivering an immersive, social experience unavailable on any other system. Along with Wii Sports Resort, the MotionPlus accessory is compatible with a continually growing list of games, which can be located on Nintendo's website.

Maintaining the wide-ranging appeal that attracted millions to the original Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort is an expansive, active-play game that includes a dozen fun resort-themed activities. It is easy to just pick up and play, but now comes equppied with deeper levels of play that are sure to challenge even the most experienced gamers. Wii Sports Resort whisks players away to a destination full of action, while introducing an unprecedented experience in physical reality with a huge selection of fun activities that everyone can play.

"Nintendo leads the way in delivering rich motion-control gaming experiences at an accessible price point," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "By including even more of our top-quality hardware and software in the basic Wii system package, we're extending that commitment to entertainment and value. Now more than ever, consumers can count on Nintendo to deliver inclusive fun and advanced motion controls at a mass-market price."

Thus, the U.S. suggested retail price of the new system bundle will remain at $199.99. Pricing outside the United States will be established by the local markets, but offer similar consumer value.


Purchase:

• Black Nintendo Wii & Wii Sports Resort Bundle [$199.99]

Related Products:

• Black Wii Remote [$49.99]
• Black Wii Nunchuk Controller [$19.96]

Pre-Order Your Black Nintendo Wii and Sports Resort Bundle Now!

Read more...

3 Tips and Tricks for Your iPhone Keyboard

New technology is released to the world nearly every day it seems. Every time that you have a new technology, you are required and responsible for learning how to use it correctly. However, sometimes this can become very confusing and frustrating, especially if there isn’t a whole lot of additional information out there. A prime example of this is would be Apple’s increasingly popular iPhone.

Upon purchasing your very first iPhone, you will probably spend at least a couple of hours by yourself getting familiar with the various technologies inside the amazing multi-use cell phone. However, there are some tips that cannot be learned just by you playing around with it and must be learned with guidance from another source. Fortunately, that source is right here in front of you.

One of the best tips concerns the keyboard, so let’s begin. With such a unique feature as the touch screen keyboard, there are a number of tips you should be aware of in order to keep your messages flowing. Following these tips will enable you to type faster with fewer errors, and you will find typing to be a breeze. The first tip involves typing the letters into your iPhone.

When you want to enter a letter, you tap on it; but the letter isn't placed onto the screen until you lift your finger off of it. What this means is that if you accidentally touch the wrong key, you just slide your finger to the correct letter. When you have found the right letter, lift your finger and it will be placed onto the screen. This tip helps fix most typing errors, and will hopefully save you a lot of time.

At the same time, there are many people that have found the auto-correction within the keyboard to be a great way to keep your text clear and easy. The downside is that it is very easy to accept a word that you didn't intend on typing. In order to stay free from this confusion, you must learn how to accept and reject suggested words. When you are ready to accept a word, you will tap either return, space or a punctuation mark. If you want to reject a suggested word, you need to finish typing the word and then tap it.

In addition, if you write out a full word two different times and tap on them both times, that word will automatically be entered into your iPhone’s dictionary. It could take a while to store all of your most used words into the dictionary, but it will be worth it because your iPhone will become blazing fast.

And lastly, here is a tip for capitalizing your words. To capitalize the first letter of a word, you simply tap the shift key and then tap the letter you want capitalized, but what about capitalizing the entire word? Go to settings, and then tap general, followed by keyboard. From here just tap the "Enable Caps Lock" setting. Now when you double tap the shift key it will turn blue, indicating that you will be typing in all caps.

3 Tips and Tricks for Your iPhone Keyboard

Read more...

Samsung LN40C630 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV - Supreme Value and Incredibly Low Price

The Samsung LN40C630 LCD HDTV is a smooth operator. Featuring 120Hz Clear Motion Rate technology it allows you to see fast action movements with a smoothness that is clearly second to none. The new AllShare feature even allows you to sync up your entire household. A wired or wireless DLNA connection now lets you stream your PC audio and video files to your HDTV using just your remote.

There are four HDMI inputs, each enabling a single-cable connection to a Blu-ray player, high-def satellite receiver, cable box, or game console, with up to 1080p picture resolution. And Samsung’s Touch of Color design combines texture and color that will surely complement any décor.

This particular HDTV exceeds Energy Star standards, in fact it is up to 43% more energy efficient than Energy Star 4.0 minimum standards.

Game Mode enhances dark areas, sharpens the picture, speeds up the image processing response and enhances the overall sounds of your video games. The Wide Color Enhancer Pro delivers the entire spectrum of color and luminance for rich, saturated images with intense detail. And the BD Wise feature automatically adjusts all your components for the best picture and sound quality.

The powerful 10 watts x 2 audio power stereo broadcast reception supports multichannel sound (MTS) and second audio program (SAP) with 181-channel capacity. DNSe delivers high-quality sound with more natural effects than conventional methods by reproducing the "genuine" stereo sound.

Your new Samsung HDTV also includes a 1 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (90 days parts and labor for commercial use), backed by Samsung's toll-free support.

In all honesty, if you are seriously looking to buy a new big screen LCD HDTV, you need to thoroughly re-think your decision if you are considering anything other than this one. I promise you won't find a better LCD TV for the price.


Purchase:

• Samsung LN40C630 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV [$769.99]

Related Products:

• Samsung 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player [$224.00]
• Techcraft Bernini 42-Inch Flat Panel TV Stand [$157.86]

Samsung LN40C630 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV - Supreme Value and Incredibly Low Price

Read more...

Go Beyond Navigation With the Garmin nüvi 260W GPS

Garmin's line on this device is that, "the nüvi 260W gives consumers the most sought-after navigation features, while eliminating many of the premium add-ons. The result is a PND that simply gets you from point A to point B – reliably, efficiently, and with style."

As with all nüvis, and Garmin in general, you will receive the excellent standard features including reliability, fast satellite lock of high-sensitivity integrated receiver, a sleek and slim, pocket-sized navigator with a beautiful display, detailed maps enabling you to search more than 6 million points of interest like hospitals, stores, or restaurants, and a simple, intuitive interface.

However, navigation is just the beginning. Garmin's nüvi 260W features travel tools including a world travel clock with time zones, JPEG picture viewer, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and much more. In addition, it also comes with configurable vehicle icons that let you select multiple car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map, and Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature.

Garmin Lock is Garmin's patent pending theft prevention system that disables the unit from performing any functions until the user types in a specific 4-digit PIN or takes the unit to a predetermined secure location.

This device is compatible with optional content plug-ins available via SD card, such as the Garmin Travel Guides and Garmin SaversGuide, which provide detailed data for attractions and information on nearby merchants offering discounts, so customizing your travel needs is a breeze. Garmin has also added the ability for customers to add custom points of interest (POI’s) from third parties such as school zones and safety cameras.

A 4.3-inch backlit widescreen touchscreen on the nüvi 260W gives you 70% more actual screen area than a 3.5-inch screen. Primarily this translates into a better view of the area through which you are driving. Also, the device itself is larger, meaning controls on the screen are more widely spaced and somewhat easier to push.

Garmin's easy to use interface is a key to their success and one of the things that makes their devices such a pleasure to use. Simple controls and sub-screens make it easy to enter or search for destinations and get data about your trip.


Purchase:

• Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS [$99.99]

Related Products:

• Garmin Portable Friction Mount [$24.87]
• GPS Eva Airform Carrying Case [$8.94]

Go Beyond Navigation With the Garmin nüvi 260W GPS

Read more...