Mimoco releases a whole new batch of adorable flash drives

Have you been looking for that special something to whip out at the big meeting to show everyone that you've got style, class, and money to burn? Well perhaps you should take a peek at the latest set of Mimobot Core Series 2 USB flash drives, which come fashioned in a wide variety of cute-as-all-get-out cartoon monsters, designed by illustrator Dino Alberto. While we can't say that we prefer these to the company's previous Star Wars-themed line, there is something intriguing about this new set, like the fact that these adorable little guys all have an elaborate back-story that's loaded onto the drives for your viewing pleasure -- although you may just want to scrap that to make more room for your "business documents." The drives come in 512MB, 1GB, 2GB or 4GB capacity, and range in price from $39.95 to $109.95.

First shots of the Cowon iAudio X7?

We'd heard that Cowon was planning to ship a 40- and 80GB iAudio X7 in September, but these supposed product shots that just surfaced at DAPreview are the first tangible evidence we've seen of the device. Based on what we know they look pretty legit, but our expertise on Photoshop fakery can only take us so far.

USB necktie with built-in fan keeps you cool

Ain't nothing classier than a clip-on tie...except one with a built-in USB-powered fan in the knot. We're not certain how this thing keep you cool, or why you wouldn't just use any of the million other USB-powered fans that don't increase your dork factor by 1000, but the people in the photos look so blissfully content we're actually a little curious.

Palm Foleo specification details begin to flow

As the rumored launch date of Palm's Foleo draws closer, it follows logic that the pieces would start to come together regarding the innards of this thing. Shortly after naming Wind River Systems as its preferred Linux provider, Palm is reportedly divulging details about the specifications to developers at the LinuxWorld conference. Under the hood will supposedly be goodies such as a 416MHz Intel / Marvell PXA27x processor, Marathon 2700G graphics accelerator with video output, 128MB of RAM "for holding currently running applications, and 256MB of non-volatile memory," a CompactFlash slot located behind the battery, an SD expansion slot (though some reports suggest SDHC works also), and WiFi support. Most intriguing, however, was the note that some developers at the expo were "given a unit already in its retail packaging" after attending a seminar about writing applications for the Foleo and "signing a non-disclosure agreement," which certainly leads us to believe that this gizmo will hit shelves sooner rather than later.

Sony PSP Software update

The PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system software update may include security patches, new or revised settings and features and other items, which will change your current operating system. We encourage you to check this page from time to time for software updates and to always maintain your system to use the latest version of the system software.

An update to the PSP® system software was made available on July 24, 2007. If you update your PSP® system, the system software will be version 3.52.

Notices

• This update is for customers who own PSP® systems with model number PSP-1001 sold in North America. DO NOT update your PSP® system through this Web site if you purchased your system outside North America. There is no guarantee of proper operation with models sold outside North America.
• Do not perform updates using any data other than the official update data provided by Sony Computer Entertainment over a network or on disc media, and do not perform updates by methods other than those described in the product documentation or in this site. If an update is performed using data from another source, by another method, or with a PSP® system that has been altered or modified in any way, the PSP® system may not operate properly and may not be able to install the official update data. Any of these actions may void the PSP® system warranty and affect your ability to obtain warranty services and repair services from Sony Computer Entertainment.
• For customers using PSP® system software version 2.80 or earlier:
  PSP® systems with system software version 2.80 or earlier do not correctly recognize high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™ with more than 4 GB of free (recordable) memory space. For further details, select here.
• The system software included within this product is subject to a limited license from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Refer to http://www.scei.co.jp/psp-eula for further details.

The PSP® system software version 3.52 update (with v 3.50/3.51) includes the following:

• Game
  • New for 3.52: Support for PLAYSTATION®Network titles has been expanded.
• Network
  • New for 3.50: You can now connect a PSP® system to a PS3™ system via the Internet using [Remote Play].
  • New for 3.50: [Communication Settings] has been added as an option to the [Remote Play] menu.
  • New for 3.50: [RSS Channel Guide] has been added as a feature under [RSS Channel].
• Other
  • New for 3.51: A security patch was added to address security vulnerabilities in the system software.

Hints

• If your PSP® system software version is 3.52 (or later), you do not need to perform this update. To check the version of your system software, go to (Settings) > [System Settings] > [System Information]. The information is shown in the System Software field.
• Depending on the software title, you may not be able to play without first updating the system software.
• This system software update includes all features contained in previous versions.
• Depending on the system software version, screen images shown here may be different from the actual product.
• To connect to the Internet using your system, you must be within range of a wireless access point (or hotspot) that allows connections to the Internet.

You can update your system software by any of the following methods:

• Update using a PC »
  Download the update data to a PC, and then save on Memory Stick Duo™ media. Start the saved update data on your PSP® system to perform the update. Select the link above for update instructions.
  
• Network Update »
  Use the PSP® system's Network Update feature to perform the update. Select the link above for update instructions. Refer also to the instructions for the PSP® system.
  
• Update using a UMD »
  Use the update data included on a UMD™ to perform the update. Select the link above for update instructions.
  *As of May 31, 2007, this method is only available for updates up to version 3.40.

Trackball MP3 Player Challenges The Scrollwheel’s Dominance

I’m probably one of only a handful of people on the planet who actually misses having a trackball on a laptop, so I immediately have a soft spot for this Trackball MP3 Player concept created by Dae-Ki Hong. Instead of pushing buttons or using a touch-sensitive scroll wheel you simply roll a small trackball in the direction of whichever control you wish to execute. It even works the same way when placed upside down on a flat surface which reminds me of another device I just can’t put my finger on…

While I like the translucent plastic design of the player I have to wonder about the lack of screen, the ease at which a trackball can be accidentally rolled and not to mention the trackball’s notorious history of collecting dirt and grime.

Samsung Blast Phone is Exclusive for T-Mobile

Samsung Wireless launched a new mobile phone today that is exclusive to T-Mobile called the Samsung Blast. The Blast is intended to be an easy to use messaging phone with a slider design.

Samsung says this is their first U.S. slider phone to use a QWERTY style keypad. This is also the first phone from T-Mobile to offer users access to personal email including Yahoo! Mail, Gmail, and AOL email. T-Mobile says that there is no required data plan with the Blast. The sending and receiving of emails will be charged like text messages.

Other features of the Blast include enhanced T-Mobile myFaves capability, stereo Bluetooth technology, external microSD slot, 1.3MP camera with 4x zoom, multiple messaging options, Quad-band GSM 800, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz, and a 176×220 TFT color display. Talk time is rated for up to 5 hours and standby time is rated for 8 days.