The Demo Site

TiVo aren't the only ones getting a streaming HD update: Samsung have released a firmware upgrade for their BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 Blu-ray players that enables high-definition streaming from on-demand partner Netflix. Version 2.1 also "improves playback compatibility" of some content.

Samsung had promised the update back in November; currently there are around 300 titles in HD available to view.  Aside from Netflix, the two Blu-ray players have HQV video processing, 7.1 analog outputs, Dolby Digital, Digital Plus, TrueHD or dts audio support, together with DTS-HD HR and DTS-HD MA bitstream support.  The BD-P2500 is available at a variety of stores, while the BD-P2550 is a Best Buy exclusive.

The firmware is available to download from Samsung's support pages.  However, if you installed the v2.0 firmware released back in October, the auto-upgrade feature that package introduced might just do it all for you.

[via Engadget HD]

It's currently unconfirmed, but All About Symbian are reporting that the new Nokia N97 uses the same Texas Instruments ARM11 processor, with a higher clock speed, as the N95, rather than the newer TI OMAP 3 chip.  If true, this will come as a disappointment for anyone hoping the new flagship smartphone would take advantage of the OMAP 3's super-frugal architecture and speedier ARM Cortex core.

Instead, the rumors suggest that the N97 will be "as fast or faster" than the Nokia E71, with the ARM11 chip clocked higher than in previous devices.  Although that means it will likely be the quickest Nokia smartphone available, it raises questions about whether the N97 could be considered a MID replacement.

The TI OMAP 3 processor runs at 800MHz but requires just 750mW under load, while in deep sleep mode there's practically no current draw whatsoever.  That means extra-long standby times and the ability to withstand intensive use on a single charge.  Nokia are quoting up to 430hrs GSM standby (400hrs WCDMA) or 6.6hrs GSM talktime (5.3hrs WCDMA) for the N97.

[via UMPC Portal]

Japanese overclocker "duck" has cranked an Intel Core i7 965 Extreme processor up to 5510.09 MHz, more than 2GHz faster than the chip's stock 3.2GHz speed.  The process paired the chip with an ASUS ROG Rampage II Extreme motherboard, which allows for hardware-based changes to their systems' core frequency, voltage and other parameters in real-time.

In fact, the ROG Rampage II Extreme has a small joystick and other controls physically built onto the motherboard itself, which allow each of the different parameters to be tinkered with.  It also includes an external LCD display to report system frequency and other stats, again in real-time.

As for duck, he's responsible for overclocking a Pentium 4 631 CPU to 8180.4MHz in 2007, for which he holds the record for the world's highest frequency.  This Core i7 test setup included 3GB of DDR3 triple-channel RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280 graphics card.

Details of what appears to be the successor to the T-Mobile Shadow have been published on the FCC website.  The smartphone, made by HTC, now runs Windows Mobile 6.1 and has a faster processor; otherwise the feature set is very similar to the existing device, with a 2.4-inch QVGA touchscreen, scroll-wheel and slide-out 20-button keyboard.

There's also a 2-megapixel camera, WiFi, microSD slot for augmenting internal memory and touch-sensitive buttons on the front panel.  However there's no 3G support: the handset tops out at GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity. 

What is does have, however, is UMA support, which indicates that the device may offer T-Mobile's Unlimited HotSpot Calling VoIP service.  Unsurprisingly there's no word on release or pricing, but expect the T-Mobile Shadow II to drop relatively soon.

[via PhoneScoop]

ASUS has finally seen sense, and outfitted its latest Eee Box nettop models with HDMI outputs; that makes them ideal for use as a media center extender.  Outwardly identical to the existing Eee Box, the two new models - B204 and B206 - retain the 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM and 160GB hard-drive, but gain a new ATI Radeon HD 3400 GPU with 256MB memory.

Connectivity includes four USB 2.0 ports, gigabit ethernet, DVI via an adapter cable, multiformat card reader and audio in/out with S/PDIF output.  Both have WiFi draft-n, and the B204 adds Bluetooth and an integrated UPS battery.  ASUS include a remote control and stand, together with 10GB of online Eee Storage.

No word on availability or pricing, but we'd assume the two nettops will be coming sooner rather than later.  After all, ASUS have sales figures to meet.

Press Release:

ASUS Introduces World's Smallest Desktop PCs with HD Capability

Eee Box B204 and B206 Boast Hardware Decoder and HDMI Output for Superb HD Home Entertainment

ASUS today unveiled HD versions of its popular Eee Box—a tiny 1L-sized desktop PC—that it launched in June 2008. With the new Eee Box B204 and B206, users will be able to enjoy viewing hardware-accelerated HD content on LCD TVs, monitors and projectors via an HDMI output—making them ideal for families seeking a simple, space-saving home entertainment solution. The Eee Box B204 and B206 are also preinstalled with Eee Cinema, a full-featured media player that enables users to play high definition content easily. Eee Cinema offers superior format compatibility and extensive media library management options. To help users navigate Eee Cinema's comprehensive features speedily, both the Eee Box B204 and B206 come with a convenient remote control.

Built-in Video Decoder for High Definition Entertainment
The Eee Box B204 and B206 deliver crisp and fluid high definition pictures straight out of the box. They are equipped with a discrete graphics card that features a high definition hardware video decoder, vastly improving the quality of video and freeing the Eee Box's processor to tackle other tasks. Ensuring quick and hassle-free connectivity to LCD TVs, monitors, projectors and home theater receivers is an easily-accessible HDMI output on the Eee Box B204 and B206's rear I/O panel.

Exclusive Remote Control for Easy and Convenient Media Playback
The Eee Box B204 and B206 come with an exclusive remote control that enables users to easily browse, manage and play their media from a distance. The remote control works seamlessly with Eee Cinema, a user-friendly, all-in-one media player that supports all popular music, video and photo formats—transforming the Eee Box B204 and B206 into complete digital home entertainment centers.

The Smallest PCs in the World
A mere 1L in size, the Eee Box B204 and B206 are delightfully sleek. They are as slim as paperback novels, allowing users to reclaim the desk space previously lost to bulkier, more intrusive desktop systems. If necessary, the Eee Box B204 and B206 can even be placed in such a way that does not require an inch of desktop space—they can be mounted to any VESA75/VESA100 LCD display. Given how small and light they are, the Eee Box B204 and B206 can be ported around the house effortlessly, allowing users to enjoy high definition entertainment in whichever room they desire.

Annual Savings of US$156* from Reduced Power Consumption
The Eee Box B204 and B206 are designed and manufactured according to stringent Green ASUS guidelines. They are made with earth-friendly materials and fully comply with RoHS and WEEE. The Eee Box B204 and B206 also consume only around 20 watts of power, reducing the user's carbon footprint by up to 90% as compared to full-sized desktop PCs**. Eee Box B204 and B206 users will benefit on the monetary front as well; those who leave their computers on 24 hours a day stand to save approximately US$156 a year*.

Packed with Uncompromising Features
Belying their small size, the Eee Box B204 and B206 are packed with a wealth of outstanding features. They support the latest Wi-Fi 802.11n wireless standard, providing up to eight times faster speeds than the previous 802.11b/g wireless standard. In addition, the Eee Box B204 features Bluetooth® for quick and hassle-free connectivity to other Bluetooth® devices. Both models also come with 10GB of online Eee Storage, allowing users to access their documents and media no matter where they are. Furthermore, they feature an exclusive Easy Mode within Windows® that provides users with convenient access to commonly-used applications via an incredibly intuitive interface. Adding to their ease of use is Eee Bar, a fully-configurable application bar on the Windows® desktop that allows users to launch programs with a click.

Another innovation present in the Eee Box B204 and B206 is ASUS Tranquiller Technology that integrates an optimized system air flow design, intelligent fan speed control and a unique heat dissipation material in order to allow them to operate coolly at an extremely quiet 26 dB*** for comfortable home computing. Moreover, the Eee Box B204 has a built-in battery that performs an Uninterruptible Power Supply (U.P.S.) function, enabling it to stay running for a period of time when main power is lost.

* According to www.taipower.com.tw. Actual savings will differ from region to region.
** Full-sized desktop PCs consume approximately 200W ~ 300W of power.
*** In idle mode. As a point of reference, the Eee Box B204 and B206 run at 26dB, virtually as quiet as unoccupied broadcast studios (20dB).

Normally a switch in speaker grill color wouldn't be enough to make something news-worthy, but when it's Bang & Olufsen making the changes then you know it's not just a case of a ordering up a new bolt of material.  Intended to accompany the firm's existing white A/V equipment, the new white speaker-covers have been put through the paces for longevity and sound performance, with B&O even traipsing to Milan fashion fairs to see what fabrics are on offer.

In the end, they settled on Italian manufacturer Silanco.  The covers have been tested at B&O's in-house acoustic performance facility, as well as artificially aged to check that they'd still look crisp and white after 6-8 years of direct sunlight.  They've even splattered dirt onto them, to see what affect particles clinging to the covers might have on sound.

The new white speaker grills will be available this winter, on every fabric-covered speaker B&O produce.  It's unclear what affect, if any, this will have on the price; similarly, it's unknown whether B&O will be offering the covers as accessories for existing owners.

[via Born Rich]

Having teased us with scant details yesterday, Nokia has spilt the beans on its new Home Music WiFi radio.  As expected, the audio streamer is a UPnP compatible internet and FM radio, with a color display, WiFi b/g and a remote control.  As well as podcasts and internet radio stations, it will play music stored on your home network.

Connections include wired ethernet, a USB type-A socket for hooking up your PMP or a memory stick containing music tracks, an SPDIF output, RCA line-out, 3.5mm line-in for alternative music sources, and an FM antenna connection.  On the front there's also a 3.5mm headphone socket.  The single integrated 10W speaker isn't going to blow anybody away, but you could always plumb it through your home stereo.

Unfortunately there's no battery option, only AC power, so you won't be taking the Home Music on a picnic (unless it's a picnic near a power point, obviously).  No word on price or availability as yet.