Gadgety News

Remember the Brionvega hi-fi set up that I reported being flashed around various design expos?

Well it is actually now available to purchase but, as I expected, it aint cheap!

The Castiglioni designed RR226 has a couple of nods to the modern age, namely a CD and DVD player, which slot subtly in on the top.

It still keeps its vinyl deck (33/45), built-in amp and radio, those ’smiley face’ controls and those funky ’flip’ speakers, which can swing to the side or be used on top.

The Conran Shop is selling it right now, priced at……..wait for it……………. £4,495.

Christmas is almost here

Conran Shop

Blackberries.  They’re a bit…..business like generally aren’t they?

Well, that was my impression until I read about this hardware and software thingy from Canada.

This clever stuff will magically change your BlackBerry into a universal remote control for a typical AV set up, your lights, your garage door or anything else that you have remotely controlled! 

Unify4Life supplies an AV hub box that talks to the AV equipment through an infrared connection, but then communicates with a BlackBerry over Bluetooth.

The software also knows which commands can be used with which situation, so if you’re watching a movie, the BlackBerry’s screen will display only those buttons required to, for example, fast forward a DVD and change the volume for the AV system.  This is to stop you fastforwarding the lights and turning up the volume on the garage door I assume.

There’s a full review of this cool little bit of kit on the CrackBerry website.

Unify4Life

EuroTech have just launched their new iPod docking station, the movieCENTER.

As the name suggests you can connect your iPod to the dock and then get your iPod content through your stereo or TV.

They claim that the device incorporates

“powerful processing technology that transforms iPod movies and music into a more realistic and immersive experience”.

This technology includes:

• TruBass processing for subwoofer like performance from ordinary stereo or TV speakers.
• Dialog Clarity tool that creates a virtual center speaker “that lets you hear even the quietest whisper in crystal clear detail no matter how much background action there is“
• There is also a tool to process surround sound.

The movieCENTER comprises a compact black dock and remote control, a shielded audio cable with gold-plated connectors, component and composite video outputs and a USB input.

The Xitel movieCENTER is available in the UK now for £59.99.

Keeping on the subject of top-notch and pricey Hi-Fi equipment how about this Montegiro Lusso turntable?

Made up of three height-adjustable shiny cones made from alternate layers of acrylic and aluminum, and a larger, up-ened cone that supports the platter it kinda looks like an Alessi dining set.

The arm is, of course, a Da Vinci Nobile carbon-fiber unit which holds a MG1 titanium cartridge.

A special (!) version of the £25,000 turntable has another cone.  This supports a second, nine-inch SME 5009 tonearm.

audiojunkies

This is Motorolas new concept phone that has been deigned by Paris based Lysandre Follet.

One of the most interesting features on this mobile is that it’s packing a stereo camera!

Connectivity is via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

It shares its looks with Motorola’s Q phone but without the QWERTY.

The phone has e-mail support and dedicated hard keys for multimedia.

I’m loving the minimalist look that, for me, makes it look classy rather than a fashion victim.

Pagani, better known for their Zonda supercar has gone into the luxury audio market and produced a carbon fiber-and-brushed aluminum stereo system.

There is a nod to their rather nippy car in the 350 watt speakers - slightly reminiscent of the quad exhaust dontcha think? 

Known for taking a different approach they’ve loaded this system with two turntables (one for 45rpm, one for 33rpm), as well as a power amp, stereo amp and CD player.

The system was unveiled at the Geneva car show last week. 

The price?  If you have to ask, you can’t afford it bucko!! 

Sybarites