PS3 redesign - “PS3 Slim” in the making?

Rumors have revealed that according to some sources, Sony might be showing off a slimmer version of its PlayStation 3 console as soon as a few months, in June later this year. While Sony UK have thus far denied any of this to be true. A slim redesign of the console falls right in line with “Sir Howard Stringer’s recent comments about the system being too expensive a trimmed-up redesign is right on schedule with those smaller Cell and RSX chips.” Might we see a PS3 Slim as well as a Playstation branded Sony Ericsson phone soon?

Free Swine Flu Tracker app for iPhone geeks

Although we published a way to track online the movement of the Swine flu pandemic using Google Maps a few days ago, it is by no means the only way to follow news of the new H1N1 virus and its spread. Tech savvy, or more specifically iPhone (and iPod Touch) users, will soon be able to download an app called the Swine Flu Tracker off the App Store. While, it is still currently in queue to be approved by Apple, there is no doubt that the developer IntuApps will be quickly credited by popularity for creating this app amongst all the Swine flu craze.

Using this Swine Flu Tracker app, you will be able to see the current threat level for the disease, other features include a map showing confirmed and suspected cases. The app also tells you the symptoms you would get if you were to have the flu and there’s also an alert page for breaking news regarding Swine Flu. 
 
While it is true that regular winter flu has always had a much more higher mortality rate (at least compared to Swine flu so far), all the hype should not be underestimated due to the fact that H1N1 is something relatively new and that the last outbreak was over 40 years ago. Though the trouble it has caused outside of Mexico seems minimal at the moment, we reckon once this Swine Flu Tracker app is out, it should prove to be useful for those who are required to travel frequently. We do wonder however, what the next tech savvy tool to capitalise on this viral outbreak could be, who knows, we’ll keep you posted.

New musical synthesizer app for iPhone and iPod Touch

For those who liked musical synthesizer apps such as the MiniSynth developed by Yonac, comes its "big brother" - MegaSynth, compatible with both iPhone and iPod Touch. MegaSynth is a fully-featured analog modeling synthesizer, it is packed with a number of features that its "younger brother" did not support. With its 3 true-analog-modeling VCOs, 5-note polyphony, dedicated LFOs, built-in sequencer, arpeggiator/chordmaker and recording feature. MegaSynth is packed with the necessary digital technology to deliver a complete mobile synthesizer package that compromises none of that classic, luscious analog synth tone. Yonac Software Releases MegaSynth, Premier Synthesizer for iPhone and iPod Touch From the creators of miniSynth comes its long-awaited “big brother.” MegaSynth brings together several innovative features to make it the definitive synthesizer for iPhone and iPod Touch. (New York, NY – April 18, 2008)

Yonac Software is pleased to announce the release of MegaSynth. Following the success of the company’s analog-modeling miniSynth, the developers have worked hard to create a synth that utilizes the capabilities of the iPhone to the utmost. It combines several features to offer one of the most creative and powerful synthesizers available for the iPhone and iPod Touch.MegaSynth utilizes several features to empower the musician including: • 5-voice polyphony • 3 oscillators with 7 waveforms each • Configurable triad arpeggiator and chordmaker with 23 musical scales • 24-note step sequencer • Accelerometer-controlled pitch, cutoff and resonance • 4 LFOs • Noise generator • Oscillator syncing • Recording; audio file import/export via Wi-Fi connection • Infinite user presets • 209 factory sounds • Reverb and modulation effects

“We’ve worked hard for many months to produce a synth that caters to sonic exploration,” says CEO and MegaSynth head designer James Yonac. “MegaSynth’s features will have synth lovers drooling, yet those new to synthesizers will find the intuitive interface easy to navigate. It is sure to inspire many new musical compositions.”

MegaSynth is now available at the Apple iTunes app store for $4.99. Yonac Software was founded in New York City in 2008. The company mainly focuses on the development of music and sound related software. In September 2008, they released the hugely successful miniSynth, the app store’s first synthesizer. Yonac’s other iPhone applications include TuneORama, an easy-to-use guitar tuner, and Thereminator, a touch screen theremin.

Panasonic launches latest Z1 TV series

We reported about the Panasonic one-inch thick plasma LCD Z1 last month, further details have now been officially published in the press release after the jump. However, as you will know, the Z1 wasn’t cheap at all, the official press release below still hasn’t addressed as to what the price tag on this badboy will be.

Birmingham, England (April 17, 2009)-Panasonic is pleased to announce that it is expanding its line of VIERA Series flat-panel TVs with the introduction of the new Z1 Series.

Technological advancements with NeoPDP
In 2008, Panasonic announced the development of next-generation plasma display panels (PDPs) called NeoPDP technology which used ground-breaking technologies that offered better picture quality, higher efficiency and thinner dimensions than its predecessors. After thoroughly reviewing its existing IC technology and panel structures, Panasonic developed new phosphors and cell design technology for improved discharge and new circuit and drive technology to significantly reduce power loss.

As a result, Panasonic has improved motion image performance, contrast and colour reproduction in its plasma displays to achieve a level of picture quality that is simply unprecedented. To improve motion images, the Z1 Series adopts Panasonic’s 600Hz Sub-field Drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, which helps achieve 1080 line motion picture resolution*1. Even fast-moving objects are clear and sharp. Users enjoy a truly stunning viewing experience, especially with ultra-dynamic action and sports scenes such as motor car racing events and car chases.

The Z1 Series also delivers a remarkable dynamic contrast of over 2,000,000:1 thanks to the increased brightness achieved by NeoPDP technology and refinements to Panasonic’s Real Black Drive System (a pre-discharge system). With these enhancements, the new models provide the kind of “infinite black” colour that pulls viewers right into the picture.

The Z1 Series will feature VIERA CAST*2, making it one of the first models in Europe to offer this service. With VIERA CAST, viewers can access certain Internet content by simply clicking a button while sitting in their living room. For example, users can view such familiar content as Eurosport, YouTube and Picasa directly on their VIERA TV. Viewers can access other information too, such as news, weather forecasts and stock market information. DLNA connection is also possible with these three series. Digital data*3 such as motion images and still images saved onto a PC can be played on VIERA through a home network. For example, DivX content on a PC in the den can be viewed on a VIERA in the living room.

Flagship model
The Z1 Series is the flagship model combining superb functionality with a slim, fully flat*4, one-inch design. Also featuring full-HD wireless transmission technology that makes flexible room layout possible, these models are perfect for users seeking the highest grade in both function and design.

The Z1 Series deliver outstanding 1080 lines moving picture resolution and a dynamic contrast of over 2,000,000:1. The THX Certified Display they incorporate has passed stringent tests, ensuring that they are ideal for viewing films. Z models also feature home networking with DLNA, which allows playback of motion images with VIERA CAST, and the VIERA Image Viewer. They can play DivX format motion images as well. The Z1 plasma series will be available as 46” (TX-P46Z1) and 54” (TX-P54Z1) models

How to downgrade iPhone 3G baseband 02.30.03 to 02.28.00 - ModMyi downgrader tool released!

Finally, at last! A baseband downgrade tool for iPhone 3G. Readers who are iPhone 3G users who unexpectedly and accidentally upgraded their iPhone 3G’s baseband during the iPhone firmware 2.2.1 update will be happy to know that ModMyi (not the iPhone Dev Team) have come up with a tool that claims to downgrade your iPhone’s baseband from 02.30.03 back to 02.28.00.

While back in February, the iPhone Dev Team did specifically release a Pwnage Tool for iPhone 3G users so


that they could update their iPhone 3Gs safely to firmware 2.2.1 while preserving baseband 02.28.00. It seemed this message didn’t get across to many in the right time and as a result a significant large number of iPhone 3G users who had their iPhones unlocked during the previous fimware version ended up just having a bricked “iPhone 3G Touch”.

Well the good news have finally come, after two months, ModMyi is now reporting that a tool called pHaseBanDowngrader has just been released that allows iPhone 3G users to downgrade baseband from 02.30.03 to 02.28.00.

Before you go ahead with the pHaseBanDowngrader baseband downgrade tool, everyone should know that from the release notes available for this new tool, its not the simpliest tool in the world to use and therefore use at your own risk (though this is so new that we don’t know yet what the risks could be)! We will keep everyone updated of any updates or new instructions regarding the pHaseBanDowngrader.


ModMyi says:

…this tool has been tested by multiple people and WILL NOT brick your device. if you have bootloader version 5.9 it will not work. you can try but it will not work (still no risk of brick)

Apparently most new iPhone 3G’s come with bootloader version 5.9. You can checkout this link for instructions to check your bootloader’s version. The below is a short quote from the tool’s read me file:

To run the pHaseBanDowngrader, connect via SSH to your iPhone and copy the downloaded folder (phasebandowngrader) into the folder “/Applications” on your iPhone.
Note: The folder MUST named phasebandowngrader with lowercase letters!

To run it, open MobileTerminal and type “login”. The user is “root” and password is “alpine” by default. Then type: “cd / Applications/phasebandowngrader/”, then, to run the downgrader, type “./phasebandowngrader

So if you’re interested in having a try at the new baseband downgrade tool for your bricked iPhone 3G, you can download pHaseBanDowngrader using the download links available over at ModMyi. I think its fair to say at this time the pHaseBanDowngrader isn’t definitely going to work but it seems to have great potential. We’ll keep everyone updated with any news!

Apple netbook: MacBook Mini via Russians

Is this the real deal? We have absolutely no idea whether this is just another photoshop mock up calling it the MacBook Mini. Mind you, April Fools is coming up! These are spyshots of what is allegedly the Apple netbook which we have all been waiting for, they were leaked and printed in a Russian magazine. What’s more is that the specs revealed showed no signs of on board 3G wireless connectivity, that’s odd for a netbook these days. Inside the supposed MacBook mini, there’s a 10.4″ screen with a 1,280×768 screen that handle HD videos. There’s also an Atom processor, 2 GB of RAM, WiFi, running Geforce 9400M, bluetooth, a 64GB solid state drive for storage, a USB port and a Mini DisplayPort. We haven’t received any other news as of now, should this be filed into the “another concept idea archive”, what do you think?

Motorola RUSH 2 pictures

Check out some leaked pictures of the Motorola RUSH 2, one of the four phones Moto said late last year that they would be depending on to bring them back into the game (where they didn't literally say it). For now, the pictures only indicate that they will be arriving the US, as its got a Verizon badge on it but who knows where else it might turn up. To me I don't believe this will be an expensive phone, neither do I believe Motorola will be able to put a big price tag on it by the way it looks. No offence to any Motorola fans but the RUSH 2 as pictured doesn't look like the prettiest phone compared to lots others on the market at the moment, but maybe it sports some exciting technology?…

Mobile-review was able to dig up these pictures of the RUSH 2 sporting a Verizon badge. According to them, it’ll be known as the A455 when it hits VZW, though no one knows when that might happen.

Sony VAIO P Series

It’s been a good few weeks since we learnt that Sony was entering the netbook arena, with their latest flagship laptop the VAIO P Series. However, many still aren’t convinced that the P Series is actually a netbook. In the hands on video below done brilliantly by RegHardware’s editor Tony Smith, you will see the VAIO P Series in all its slim and sleek glory. Its extremely thin as you would imagine and Sony always does a good job at making their laptops as glossy and as elegant as possible.What is unique from other netbooks is that it runs Vista, it doesn’t have a touchpad instead uses the classic ThinkPad pointer.  options). 

What’s more is that the screen appears to me as very small so anyone who considers buying the P Series should know that its only an 8-inch display, those with sensitive computer eyes may want to try it out for real before buying!Again, the Sony VAIO P Series will be available worldwide from February for about $900 / £600 (varies according to your choice of hardware