Oh So Fake!

iStage
Originally uploaded by Flyinace2000

Today, a friend asked me to set up his "iPod." This unassuming individual handed me a device called the "iStage," which he apparently got as a gift for his birthday. I let him know that it was a fake, and stood slightly bemused at the myriad accessories offered up with this gadget. Why does the fake iPod come with more accessories than the real iPod? Then again, the iStage doesn't play purchased songs or videos from the iTunes Music Store, so it's a little....useless. Another day, another fake, and another acknowledgement counterfeits are good for nothing.

Flickr Set

Bye Bye Paper, Hello Kindle

Today Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com, has announced a new product call Kindle. The new gadget is set to revolutionize the way we both buy and read the printed word. The Kindle will "Revolutionary electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper" according to amazon.com's product page. The device will also be able to download and purchase content over its EVDO connection thanks to a partnership with Sprint. The unit will be able to used for over 200 hours before needing only 2 hours to recharge. Did I mention it can also access Wikipedia.org, blogs, magazine, newspapers and email attachments?

RCRD LBL Launches

Peter Rojas of Engadget, Gizmodo and Joystiq has joined with Downtown Records (Gnarles Barkley and Cold War Kids) to create a totally new record label aptly named RCRD LBL. According to the site, "In a world where many people get their music for free, we wanted to create a site where bands we loved could put their music out there for free AND get paid for it." So head on over, sign up, and find some new music and don't be afraid to download...the RIAA Ninjas won't come to get you.

http://rcrdlbl.com

REVIEW: V-Moda VIBE Duo

Last week I went to the Digital Life Holiday Shopper show and I was lucky enough to pick up a pair of V-Moda VIBE Duo earbuds for my new iPhone. Needless to say I was disappointed in the stock Apple earbuds, but I did like the inline microphone/remote control. My day to day headphones are a set of Grado SR80. So the stock Apple buds were not going to cut it in terms of audio or ergonomics. The Vibe Duo's fit very well in the ear and come with 5 other size ear cushions (white and black. small, medium and large). They do a very good job at sealing out most of the outside world. I used them for my 45 minute train ride and didn't feel any discomfort at the end of the ride. For comparison the Apple earbuds were hurting after 20 minutes of wear. Since the Vibe Duo are made for the iPhone they fit perfectly into the iPhone's recessed headphone jack. The controls on the Vibe Duo also worked perfectly. But, how did they sound? The first thing i though when i put them on was that I had the iPhones EQ on base boost, but I didn't. So I tried a few more songs and I do notice these things put out a LOT of base. I find my Grado's give me a much more accurate sound. But in all fairness my Grado's are not exactly train friendly with their size and lack of sound isolation. If most of your music library is base heavy then you should like the sound of the Vibe Duo.

Overall the headphones are comfortable and function great as a hands free for easy calling via your iPhone. I found the audio quality not what i was used to, but that doesn't mean you won't like them. Like most headphone the best thing to do is to try before you buy and see if you like them. I give them 3.5 of out 5.

Coming Soon!

I just got back from the Digital Life Holiday Preview and besides some yummy food and an open bar, I got to play with some cool gadgets. I even got fun stuff to review. So check back tomorrow for a initial review of the V-moda Vibe Duo iPhone headphones, how Nickelodeon is doing kids electronics, and ZipIt mobile IM.