Samsung's Armani phone

All hail, all hail, official pics of the Samsung / Armani mashup: the Armani phone. Here's the haute couturey poop: tri-band 900/1800/1900 GSM, 3 megapixel camera, 2.6-inch 262K color QVGA touchscreen LCD, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support, microSD expansion, full Internet browser, and support for H.263, AAC/MP3/WMA audio and MPEG-4 video. Fine and dandy but this little guy also features a haptic feedback user interface like Samsung's SCH-W559 handset loosed long ago in China -- "users can feel an immediate mild vibration when they touch icons on the display." How you like them Apples, Apple? The Prada-esque slab currently measures in at 87.5 x 54.5 x 10.5-mm and 85-grams; less after it starts making regular, post-meal trips to the toilet following its November European release.

Sanyo kicks out two new 1seg-equipped navigators

Unfortunately for those in America, you aren't likely to see either of Sanyo's latest GPS units, but for those dwelling in Japan, here's the low down. Up first is the fairly attractive NV-SD580DT, which boasts a 1seg tuner, integrated media player, FM transmitter, built-in one-watt speaker, 5.8-inch display, and an SD expansion slot. The slightly less stunning NV-SB260DT (shown after the jump) packs a 4.5-inch screen and omits MP3 playback, but retains most of the other features on the aforementioned sibling. Both units are set to hit stores next month, and while the NV-SD580DT will ring up at ¥117,600 ($1,021), the NV-SB260DT will demand ¥103,950 ($902).

Toshiba intros WiFi-less Gigabeat T400

While there's still no official word of a North American release of Toshiba's WiFi-packin' Gigabeat T401, it looks like those round these parts can now get their hands on its slightly less-capable counterpart: the WiFi-less Gigabeat T400. Apart from the lack of WiFi, this one looks to be identical to the T401, with it packing 4GB of NAND flash memory, a 2.4-inch QVGA display, and support for WMV video, along with MP3, WMA, WAV and WMA Lossless audio. According to Toshiba, you can also expect about 16 hours of audio playback and 5 hours of video playback from the player's rechargeable battery. It also looks like Toshiba's decided to tone down the color options from the Japanese release, with the player now only available with your choice of blue, pink, or orange trims, each of which will set you back $120.

Toshiba intros WiFi-less Gigabeat T400

If you've coughed up ~two grand for one of FlipStart Labs' tiny clamshell PCs, we'll wager that you've already got a pretty decent compact digicam in your arsenal, but in case you've been cursed -- as many us have -- with convergencitis, you can now pick up an accessory that turns your FlipStart into a pretty bulky three megapixel camera. As its name suggests, the $150 Snap Camera clips securely onto the unit's lid, immediately ready to capture up to five megapixel stills via interpolation or VGA video at 30fps complete with sound. Downsides include the lack of an optical zoom and the obvious physical protrusion, but we're sure such trifles have never stopped you before.

ViewSonic intros monitors galore for gamers, penny pinchers

Not satisfied with just the TV watching crowd getting their fix today, ViewSonic also introduced a plethora of monitors for the gaming and budget-minded sets. Up first is the 19-inch VX1940w ($249), 22-inch VX2240w ($349) and 19-inch VX1932wm ($249), all of which sport a two-millisecond response time, 300 nits of brightness and DVI / VGA inputs. The latter sports a 1,440 x 900 resolution and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, while the other two offer up a 1,680 x 1,050 native resolution coupled with a 4,000:1 contrast ratio. Moving right along to the Value series, the widescreen 19-inch VA1926w (WXGA+), 20-inch VA2026w (WSXGA+) and 22-inch VA2226w (WSXGA+) displays all feature 2,000:1 contrast ratios, 300 nits of brightness, DVI / VGA connectors, and five-millisecond response times. Oh, and for those not needing 16:9, the VA926 offers up a 1,280 x 1,024 panel. In order of mention, you'll be looking at $229, $249, $279 and $259 pricetags on the four Value monitors. Phew, got all that?

Headplay's Personal Cinema System finally available

Nearing on a year from its first unveiling, it's nice to finally see the Headplay Personal Cinema System head mounted display "out and about." That Visor headset is stilling rocking support for up to XGA resolutions with a pair of single LCoS micro-displays that are supposed to reduce eye strain, while the Liberator "brains" of the operation accepts composite, component and S-video inputs, while also playing media off of its built-in CompactFlash slot and USB ports.

Finally, the Navigator remote acts as the hook-up for the included earbuds, and allows you to control the system and settings. In addition to plain old flat content, you can view stereoscopic 3D games and movies if you've got the right hardware to plug into. The Headplay is available now online, and goes for $499, or $549 with an internal rechargeable battery. Unfortunately, all we've got for pictures is those same old renders we saw at the start of the year, but hopefully Headplay will hit the true wild soon enough.

Blaupunkt rolls out SD card-based car stereo

It's not the first such unit we've seen, but car stereos with SD card slots instead of CD players are still rare enough to get our attention, which is exactly what Blaupunkt has managed to do with its new Melbourne SD27 system. If that's a bit too limiting for you, you can also make use of Blaupunkt's optional iPod and USB/Bluetooth adapters, which will let you grab music off any suitably equipped MP3 player or cellphone. You'll also, of course, get an AM/FM radio with 25 preset station options, and a plain old 3.5-millimeter auxiliary input to plug in the audio device of your choice. If that's not too much change for you to handle, you should be able to pick up a Melbourne SD27 now for a suggest retail price of $160.

New webCams from Logitech

Logitech has unveiled the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 and the Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks, featuring lenses designed in an exclusive collaboration with Carl Zeiss, one of the world’s leading optics companies. Logitech’s exclusive collaboration with Carl Zeiss ensures that the QuickCam Pro 9000 and the QuickCam Pro for Notebooks are the first webcams to meet Zeiss’s standards for lens design and manufacturing.

Logitech did not stop with Carl Zeiss optics. The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 and QuickCam Pro for Notebooks webcams also use a premium autofocus system for fast, fluid focusing that eliminates the inconvenience of manual focusing. With Logitech’s autofocus system, the webcams compensate for changes in image-edge sharpness. Logitech’s autofocus system refocuses images in less than three seconds and helps ensure that images remain crisp even in extreme close-ups (up to 10 cm from the camera lens). Both webcams work effortlessly with popular video messaging applications, including Skype, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger and AIM. The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 and the Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks are expected to be available in September 2007.

Lenovo Goes Green with ThinkCentre A61e

Lenovo reinvigorated the desktop PC space today with the ThinkCentre A61e ultra small form factor desktop. As the company's smallest, quietest and most energy-efficient desktop yet, it has a footprint the size of an average telephone book, whisper quiet performance and choices of energy-efficient, 45-watt AMD Athlon™ X2 dual core and AMD Sempron™ single core processors.

The ThinkCentre A61e desktop marks Lenovo's first product with EPEAT Gold status, the highest designation a product can achieve in the ranking. Operated by the Green Electronics Council, EPEAT ranks products on a variety of environmental attributes from energy efficiency to materials use to recyclability. Many organizations use this tool to help make purchasing decisions. Recognized for its environmental attributes, the ThinkCentre A61e desktop uses up to 90 percent reusable/recyclable materials as well as 90 percent recyclable packaging. It also can be powered by an optional solar panel. The desktop surpasses the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star® 4.0 criteria with its 85 percent efficient power supply. As the first desktop in the industry to run on energy-efficient AMD Athlon™ X2 dual core and AMD Sempron™ single core processors, it can help users save up to 50 percent in energy costs annually over previous models.

Sony intros Blu-ray burning AR50, FZ20, L Series VAIOs

Sony recently took the wraps off a new range of Blu-ray burning VAIOS in Europe, including two laptops and an all-in-one desktop. On the top end of the laptop side of things, the VAIO AR50 series boasts a 17-inch WUXGA LCD, along with a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo T7700 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics, with that aforementioned Blu-ray burner conveniently tucked inside.

The FZ20, on the other hand, packs a 15.4-inch display with a mere 1280 x 800 resolution, along with a 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo T7500 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 300GB hard drive, and GeForce 8600M GS graphics. Rounding things out, the VAIO L Series all-in-one desktop remains much the same as we've seen before, with it boasting a 22-inch 1680 x 1050 display, an unspecified Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, twin analog/DVB-T TV tuners, and GeForce 8400M GT graphics. From the looks of it, the whole lot is available in Europe now, with the Blu-ray add-ons demanding a none-too-surprising premium over less-equpped models.

New Logitech Cordless Mouse

Logitech has launched its Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks. The mouse’s plug-and-forget nano-receiver provides highly mobile notebook PC and MacBook users with a mouse that simplifies life on the road. Because the USB receiver is so small and is nearly flush with the notebook, people no longer need to constantly plug and unplug it when moving from place to place.

To maximize productivity, the VX Nano mouse features the MicroGear Precision Scroll Wheel. When the wheel is in hyper-fast scrolling mode, people can fly through long documents with the flick of a finger. To shift to the precise, click-to-click scrolling mode, people need only press and click the scroll wheel.

New Moto Q 8

Motorola has released its MOTO Q 8, an all-in-one device that merges business with pleasure. It features a full QWERTY keyboard, and combines business productivity applications via Windows Mobile with multimedia entertainment. From stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, rich audio sound, a 1.3 megapixel camera, fast Internet connections, convenient WiFi through optional miniSDIO card connectivity and the ability to view and edit Microsoft Office documents from anywhere in the world 2,3 -- Motorolas claims that there is no need to compromise when you can have it all in one device.

Nokia's New 6500

Nokia has introduced three new handsets (which will be available in October) into the mid-range market and they are the Nokia 6120 Classic, Nokia 6500 classic and Nokia 6500 slide.

The Nokia 6500 Classic is a 9.5mm thin phone that features dual band 3G technology and quad band GSM for worldwide roaming. It also comes with 1GB of internal memory as wekk as a 2 megapixel camera with dual LED flash. It also uses a unified mini-USB connector for charging, handsfree and syncing. The 6500 Slide on the other hand coems with a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss Optics, as well as autofocus, dual LED flash and 8x optical zoom. Finally the 6120 Classic is a HSDPA enabled phone which comes with a 2 megapixel camera, 4x digital zoom flash and panorama mode. The phones will be available from all Nokia dealers by October and estimated prices will range between RM1000-RM1800.

New Prisms from Nokia

Nokia recently unveiled the Prism collection, its latest range of mobile phones aimed at style-conscious consumers. The Prism collection consists of the Nokia 7900 Prism and the Nokia 7500 Prism, handsets which combine individual style and state-of-the-art technology.

Nokia Prism collection is highlighted by cutting-edge colors, materials and graphics. Its signature diamond-cut design, featuring sharp angled lines, geometric patterns and graphic light-refracting colors, ensure these models stand out in the mobile phone market.

The Nokia 7900 Prism is not yet available in the market whereas the Nokia 7500 Prism is now available in the market at a recommended retail price of RM1049.

Motorola lets loose TLKR T3 / T5 walkie talkies

Leave it to Motorola to unleash yet another completely corny prefix to label its newest two-way radios. Yes, we wish we were kidding about the "TLKR" part, but sadly, it's very real. Nevertheless, the TLKR T3 touts eight channels, up to 20-hours of battery life, around five-kilometers of range, a sleep mode, channel scan / monitor, an LCD screen, and comes in blue, orange and red colors schemes. As for the T5, it boasts a six-kilometer range, a backlit LCD, handsfree functionality, five call tones, slightly worse battery life, and arrives in red, blue, or black. Currently, pricing details haven't been nailed down, but you can snap these up (if you can get over the name) next month.

Jaeger LeCoultre watch unlocks, starts Aston Martin DBS

For those sick and tired of living vicariously through James Bond, Aston Martin is giving buyers of the €240,000 ($330,864) DBS coupe the chance to add on a svelte wristwatch that will actually lock, unlock and start their new vehicle. The limited edition Jaeger LeCoultre AMVOX2 chronograph not only boasts "over 200 parts to its casing and an equal number in the watch movement itself," but it will include a miniaturized form of the "DBS transponder electronics" within the base. Owners of the timepiece will be able to leave the key at home in a vault and crank their new ride up with the touch of a watch, but the convenience will cost you a stiff €25,000 ($34,465) on top of the car's purchase price.

Modded Motorola E6 can transform, make calls

With what was likely an inspired bit of effort, some clever modder -- we really wish we knew who to credit but sadly don't -- has converted a MOTOROKR E6 into a working transformer. Unlike the Nokia branded Transfomer handsets we saw last week, this actually transforms and apparently somehow still functions as a phone -- though looking at it we'd guess just barely. While, we wouldn't haul this around with us as a day to day phone, we'd def put it up in a place of honor here at the Engadget Mobile Mansion. Hit the read link for a pile more shots.

Apple's iPod touch

Is this just a snafu from Apple's arts-and-charts team or something more say, AVRCP and stereo A2DP related? At this point, Apple's not saying and we don't know. But you'd better hurry up and click that Read link because that Apple-harvested picture won't be around for much longer.

Sony's Alpha A700 DSLR now official, already previewed

Rather than scraping the details off their Romanian flash pages, you can now take a more mature approach to your A700 fawning by reviewing Sony's official press release. Better yet, dpreview has a hands-on preview of the latest Sony Alpha now packing a 12.1 megapixel APS-C "Exmor" CMOS sensor and all-new version of its Bionz image processor which combine for up to 5fps bursting. $1,400 for that sweet body starting in October. Now go read the multi-page preview in full after peeping all that hot, hot DSLR action in the gallery below.

Epson eats their own, launches TW2000 1080p 3LCD projector

Here it is, Epson's latest 3LCD projector to take advantage of their new 0.74-inch HTPS panels already spotted in Mitsubishi and Sanyo projectors. The EMP-TW2000 starts with a trio of Epson-built, 0.74-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 C2FINE LCD panels with D7 process technology, 12-bit LCD driver, and updated OptiFocus engine with DeepBlack phase compensation technology. They then bust a rated 50,000:1 dynamic contrast at 1,600 lumens off a 170W UHE (E-TORL) bulb while supporting x.v.Color over a pair of HDMI v1.3 inputs -- component, S-Video, and D-Sub 15 PC input sprinkled in for fun. Nicely done Epson. Yours in Japan later this month for about ¥350,000. That'll be a tax-inclusive $3,020 when it comes Stateside under the PowerLite Pro Cinema branding. Pics of the backside, front and huge-ass, plastic remote control after the break.

Transparent Toaster gives you clear view of bread's crispiness

You know, it'd be quite nice for toaster manufacturers to actually grab hold of one of the numerous concepts floating around out there and give the tried and true machine a facelift, but until then, conceptualizers are keepin' the ideas a-coming. On deck is the Transparent Toaster, which hopes to utilize clear panes of "heating glass" that allow you to clearly see precisely how burnt your bread is becoming. Of course, we'd certainly hope some sort of self-cleaning apparatus would be added if this thing were to go commercial, but it ain't a half bad idea as it is.

Hands-on / roadtest with the TomTom GO 720

Before we tell you about the TomTom GO 720, let us impart one piece of advice which we're pretty sure most GPS enthusiasts know already: if you're going through the Lincoln Tunnel into Midtown Manhattan late at night with your GPS fired up and ready for action, make sure you know by heart what to do when you come out the other side -- because GPS simply ain't happening in New York City. That said, TomTom's slickly designed and elegantly executed 720 is a seriously welcome addition to our navigational world, and frankly, we'll be sad to see the little guy go.

BT Baby Monitor 150 plays voices, MP3s to impressionable children

Good news parents, Labor Day doesn't mean you just get work off anymore, now you can leave your young children in the care of the BT Baby Monitor 150 and really get that rest you deserve. The device can record your voice for playback to little Timmy in his crib -- he'll never know the difference. You can also hook an MP3 player to the 150, load up some Beehtoven and 50 Cent and you're set. Other features include an intercom for parent talk-back, and an alarm. As far as we can tell, this one is only available in the UK, so we suppose we'll have to import one for next year. They go for £69.99, about $141 US.

Cowon unveils iAudio U5 DAP at IFA

Those impressed with the looks of the iAudio 7 are likely to warm up just fine to the newest digital audio player from Cowon. Reportedly unveiled at IFA, the presumably flash-based U5 looks to be aimed at lower-end customers, and touts an ultrathin enclosure, 1.8-inch 160 x 129 resolution LCD, FM tuner / recorder, voice recorder, USB 2.0 connectivity, MP3 / WMA support, up to 20-hours of battery life, and built-in equalizer presets as well. Apparently, the U5 will land in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB flavors, but pricing and availability details have yet to be divulged.

Sharp cranks out new XL2E and X20E AQUOS HDTVs

Not wanting to be outdone by all those other guys loosing LCDs at IFA, Sharp has stepped up and unveiled two new lineups of AQUOS sets in Berlin. The XL2E series, which includes models 42-, 46-, and 52-inches in size, will all offer up 100Hz technology, be Full HD ready, and will even support 24p. Moreover, the trio will tout a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, a built-in DVB-T tuner (and an analog one, too), VGA input, integrated speakers, and three HDMI connectors to boot. As for the X20E series, you'll find 32-, 37-, 42-, 46-, and 52-inch flavors, all of which support 1080p24, feature three HDCP-compliant HDMI ports, and "a slot for CI cards to receive pay TV." The new AQUOS members are slated to land in Europe sometime before the year's end, but pricing details look to still be up in the air.