World's prettiest universal remote! Period

You could have the traditional magic wane or a tablet universal remote, but nothing comes close to the sleek and sexy Thync. Easily the prettiest controller we have come across, this has a huge curvy touchscreen powered by underlying drag-and-drop flash menus. Other juicy bits include voice command capability and an inbuilt speakerphone feature which syncs with any Bluetooth-enabled mobile.

There's one problem, though. Until one of the big remote control manufacturers such as Logitech or Philips adopts this industrial design, we seriously doubt you could lay your hands on a Thync anytime soon.

Via Ubergizmo | Photo credit: David Chacon

Apple working on its own Wiimote?

Microsoft may not be the only one looking to develop its own Wiimote-like game controller. Apple is researching a 3D remote of its own, according to AppleInsider.

The research, reportedly outlined in a November 2006 patent filing disclosed this week, describes a device that would work similarly to the Nintendo Wii controller "in video games to position a user's character or to otherwise track the movement of the remote control in a user's environment". The remote would apparently be designed to work with Apple TV as its console.

The device would also use some of the multitouch features seen on other Apple products, including the iPhone and MacBooks. According to the filing, it would "zoom into and out of an image or a portion thereof based on the absolute position of the remote control".

Patent filings are never any guarantee of actual products, of course. But there will be particular interest in this one because a move by Apple into the game industry has been rumored--and hoped for, by loyalists--for years. So if nothing else, it will keep that flame alive at least a little while longer.

Crave CNET

Recharger ensures marathon Wii Fit sessions

Time's running out: You're already past Mother's Day and don't want to compound your forgetfulness by delaying the inevitable further. You can at least pre-order a Wii Fit for mom, as it's not available until May 19. And to make up for the tardiness of the misguided gift, there's even a way to add insult to injury with a rechargeable battery.

Nyko will be shipping its Energy Pak for the Wii Balance Board on the same day the fitness game is released to provide maximum sweat time, according to Gizmodo. The recharging brick plugs into the bottom of the board so mom will barely miss a beat in her marathon workout sessions, ensuring that she'll curse your name with every aerobic step. And remember, don't forget to include the scale.

Via Crave CNET

Goldmund's US$300,000 speaker system

We have nothing but respect for Steve "Audiophiliac" Guttenberg and don't wish to perpetuate any stereotypes about like enthusiasts, but we can't resist mentioning the latest loudspeakers from Goldmund.

This, you may recall, is the same outfit that recently upgraded its US$17,000 Eidos 20 media player for Blu-ray. But the price of that DVD box is peanuts compared with its Epilogue Speaker System, which goes for a cool US$300,000, accoring to Newlaunches. That, by the way, was the estimated starting price for installations in Goldmund's palatial Media Room a few months ago.

We do appreciate the geometric design of the system, which would look perfectly natural on display at any modern art museum. As for the cost, perhaps it's just the price one must pay for high-end speakers that don't look like alien beings.

Via Crave CNET

A fruity Bravia for Mother's Day?

Not a Mac, you silly! We're referring to the latest 20-inch Sony Bravia KLV-20S400A HDTV in fruity pink, green and orange. Also available in blue, black and white, it's based on the company's "Draw the Line" concept and is brilliant for kitchens as well as brightening your home. In fact, we reckon it's the perfect gift for Mother's Day. Unfortunately, this darling, with the rest of the larger piano black S4-series, will reach stores across Asia Pacific only in June.

Also announced today is the Bravia V4-series which shares an identical 2008 Bravia Engine 2 video processor and 1080p24 input capability (24p True Cinema). Furthermore, both have three HDMI terminals as standard, while the V4 has added Digital Media Port for accessories to synchronize with iPod, MP3 players and Sony Ericsson Bluetooth-enabled mobiles.

For the living room-sized 40- and 46-incher S4 and V4, Sony has gone one step further by going full-HD matched with upgraded 33,000:1 dynamic contrast. The latter is twice the performance offered by their smaller counterparts. Check back in June for updated pricing closer to launch.

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