Archive for the ‘Products’ Category

Posted on October 23, 2008 - by Steven Finch

iPod Shuffle In New Vibrant Colours

Apple has announced this morning that the Apple iPod shuffle is getting some new colours, and here they are. The shuffle has been transformed into the same colours are the new iPod Nano’s. However, they still come with a very attractive price tag, $49 USD.

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Posted on October 10, 2008 - by Steven Finch

Who Is Going To Win The Electric Car Race

I know this is probably not a story you would expect on Crenk, but it involves Silicon Valley startup Tesla and I thought the piece was actually very interesting. Take a look and let me know if you think Tesla will win the race.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Posted on October 9, 2008 - by Steven Finch

RIM’s New Touchscreen BlackBerry Storm: New Smartphone That Could Take Most Of The Market

There has been a lot of talk about the new BlackBerry Storm. The BlackBerry Storm is going to be the new touchscreen phone from RIM. Here at Crenk we haven’t yet had a chance to play with the new phone, but we think this could take a large share of the market.

The BlackBerry Storm is aimed to help RIM get into the touchscreen market, while at the same time help Verizon Wireless (its exclusive U.S. carrier) have a decent smartphone competitor to the Apple-AT&T iPhone.

However, as this is the first real touchscreen from RIM it is always going to have its drawbacks. Unlike the iPhone when the touchscreen is easy to use and has good sensitivity, the RIM BlackBerry Storm however is currently a little less touchy and more pushy (if that makes sense), but all the same still works.
There’s still some variables to get ironed out, like pricing. And the phone has some glaring shortcomings, like no wi-fi, no support for iTunes-DRM-encoded music and movies, and a tiny third-party app platform. But last we checked, the iPhone, for all its merits, was still just 24% of the U.S. consumer smartphone market — meaning three of four buyers were putting their money elsewhere. Bottom line: There’s plenty of room for competition, and with Verizon’s marketing dollars behind it, we think RIM’s new phone will do well.

Posted on October 1, 2008 - by Steven Finch

Will Apples ‘Brick’ Project Be The Worlds First All-Screen Laptop?

This is such an interesting concept design I just had to write about it. The project is called “Brick” and is from Apple and could potentially be the world’s first all-screen laptop. The project is currently being designed by Yves Behar and some concept designs are to the left.

Once seeing this project it automatically looks like a hybrid between the iPhone and a Macbook-Air.

Apple’s “Brick” would be a hybrid laptop/tablet/ebook that dispenses with a physical keyboard and trackpad in favor of a virtual, adaptive UI that blends multitouch, gestures and its own orientation to switch between different modes:

Laptop — When the Brick is held horizontally with the two screens at an angle, the bottom screen turns into a virtual keyboard and touchpad. There’s no tactile feedback for touch typists, but never mind, corrective text handily makes up for the myriad errors. The top screen acts like a regular laptop screen, except that it also is touch sensitive, and is responsive to multitouch gestures like double-tap to zoom, pinching and scrolling.

Tablet — When the two halves are opened fully they snap together in the middle to make a tablet with a continuous touch-sensitive screen. This mode is best for surfing the web, browsing and editing photos, and displaying mind-altering music visualizers.

eBook — Like laptop mode but held vertically. Each screen transforms into an electronic page for easy reading. Displays eBooks, eMags or specially laid out websites. Readers navigate by swiping the screen to turn the pages.

Tabletop — Like tablet mode but for two people. When an onscreen button is pushed, the screens are oriented for two users sitting opposite each other. Great for collaborative tasks and especially games.

And why’s it called “Brick”? Because it smashes Windows!

Posted on September 12, 2008 - by Steven Finch

Apple Macbook Touch Rumoured To Be Coming on October 14

Apple is a company that always seems to have a lot of rumours about their upcoming product launches. Here is a new one to add to the group, the Apple Macbook Touch. Some sources claim that

Apple is planning to launch the new Macbook on an event that is to be held on October 14. At this stage there is no official word that is actually a reality, but I think that this is definitely a product that will soon be launched.

There are other sites who have already reported on this rumour, including Gizmodo and Sizlopedia. As Sizlopedia mentioned, I doubt however Apple will launch a revolutionary new product at such a small gathering, when they have Macworld Expo 2009 not so far away.

Posted on September 2, 2008 - by Luis Sandoval

Let Gary V. Pick Your Tee

In a surprising side venture, Gary Vaynerchuck known for his outrageous and popular Wine Library TV show, along with his brothers and Digg partner Joe Stump, have developed an amazing t-shirt search engine.

PleaseDressMe delves deep into the online world for hip and popular t-shirts from such places as Threadless and BustedTees. This venture is sure to gain in popularity, not just cause of the names attached to the project, but because of the popularity of slogan shirts.

The interface is no-nonsense, and while it’s still new, provides sufficient options for your search. Don’t know what you want? No problem, PleaseDressMe offers searches based on keywords, t-shirt colors, tags, and even price. A great way to encounter your own taste and at the same time be introduced to other shirts you did not know existed.

I would definitely keep an eye out on this site because it’s sure to explode with options in the coming months!

Posted on August 22, 2008 - by Luis Sandoval

Geek Gifts for Back-to-School

It’s that time of year again, and perhaps you or someone you know is headed back to school. For those of us who have been there done that, it’s only fair that we try to provide for those returning with the tools to get them ahead, to keep them on top of things.

I’m not talking about books, or rulers, or fancy computers, heck most universities and colleges tie that into their tuition now-a-days, but the little things that make life just a little easier.

Well if you’re reading this tech site, then you’re a Geek. No worries, Geek is the new chic, so embrace it. Thanks to sites like ThinkGeek, the geek in all of us can find something to make us a little happier, if not geekier.

Here are the Top 10 Geek Gifts for the back-to-schooler!

1. Neverlate 7-Day Alarm Clock: Never be late again for your class, your meeting, or your exam. This alarm clock actually lets you set seven different wake up times to provide you the maximum amount of sleep you can get without forgetting to change the time like other standard alarm clocks. If anything’s been cancelled, no worries, just turn that alarm for that day off without affecting the other presets. Give it a try, you might actually find yourself showing up on time…just don’t make it a habit!


2. Utili-Key 6-in-1 Tool: So now-a-days most people don’t feel comfortable carrying around their utility knives, but the tools on there were so useful. You need something economical, compact, but provides all the same usability. The Utili-Key is just such a tool that is small enough to fit onto a standard key chain ring. Provides a small serrated blade, various screwdriver sizes, and a bottle opener. You never know when something like this could come in handy.


3. Original Ring Thing: How many times have you been caught with a bottle and no bottle opener? It’s happened to all of us, and rather than risk breaking the bottle against a corner or using your teeth to pop the top, wouldn’t it be nice to have something on you that you would have worn anyways? It’s possible with this ring that acts as a bottle opener as well. Come to the rescue of yourself and your buddies with this amazing fashion meets functionality piece.


4. Marshmallow Shooter: Who knows why we do the things we do in high school and especially college? Perhaps it’s all the studying resulting in mind overload. Nevertheless pick up this little item and let the good times roll. Whether you’re having marshmallow shooting competitions, shooting into your friend’s mouth, or just feeding yourself, this device puts your hands out of business. Eating marshmallow with your hands is the old, the Marshmallow shooter is the new. Enjoy!


5. Keep out of Direct Sunlight: So the common myth about geeks and computer nerds is that we’re all pasty colored and nocturnal fearing the real world and life in general. Well buck the system guys and gals with this tongue-in-cheek shirt that declares that you are well aware of the rumor and defying the norm. Why not let what you wear make a statement?


6. STFU University Hoodie: Do you ever have those days where school spirit just seems a little overwhelming and maybe even a little fake? You know the whole cheerleaders, spirit squad, furry costumed mascot and everyone shouting “RA! RA! RA!”? Well on those days show your support for STFUniversity. If you have to ask don’t buy. For of us that know STFU very well, doesn’t it make your lives a little easier to share that spirit with others, if not a little quieter? See you at the next rally!


7. Procrastination: What else do I have to say? A lot of us lived by this mantra in college, at least in our first two years or so. Sure we may have buckled down to wrap up our degrees and prepare for the real world, but really, how many of us really dropped this habit? For those of us who still languish in the land of procrastination, support it by placing this poster up and be proud!


8. Case o’Bawls: With all the energy drinks on the market it’s hard to find one that really fuels you for those long nights on World of Warcraft, or perhaps that late DnD mission. Well if you’ve done either, then you know Bawls. Boot your roommate out and make Bawls your friend. These cases will fuel your late night binges and entertainment romps when you start to feel weary.


9. Shower Shock Caffeinated Soap: So you got the 7-day alarm clock thing going for ya, but being up and being awake are two different things. Don’t wait 10 min. for that coffee to brew! Jump into the shower and blast your senses wide awake with caffeinated soap! This completely safe to use soap has been featured on CNET, TechTV, Good Morning America, and other media outlets. Work up a good lather and let your body soak up the go-juice.

Photo Credit, all photos provided by ThinkGeek

Posted on August 22, 2008 - by Steven Finch

Sumo Lounges Should Be The Centrepiece Of Your Office

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to have the guys over at Sumo Lounge send me an email and ask for us to test out their new Sumo Omni.

After receiving our samples we of course had a really tough week of testing and found that the products were amazing. Currently, they are sitting pride of place in our group headquarters and all the guys seem to be really enjoying them.

The bags themselves seem to be a lot more comfortable than normal bean bags, maybe it has something to do with the types beans in the bags. One of the best things is that the fabric used is great for taking outside. The exterior material seems to be fully washable and will mix great with outdoor weather, plus inflammable (which is always a good thing).

I have been thinking about making the office into a Google type headquarters with just giant inflatable balls and pillows everywhere. However, even if this doesn’t happen, I’m sure that the Sumo Omni Lounges will be the center of our office for some time to come.

I must also high commend Andrew from Sumo Lounge on a great promotional strategy. I think more product orientated companies should be sending samples to bloggers to generate some buzz. If anyone else is wanting to send some products to us to sample, we would be happy to provide a review!

Posted on August 20, 2008 - by Steven Finch

The New Release of the Palm Treo Pro

Palm as just released their much anticipated - and leaked - Treo Pro, a Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional device with a touchscreen and UMTS/HSDPA GSM networking. The phone also includes G.P.S. and improved WiFi handling for better and easier WiFi hand-off.

Although previously we have looked at a lot of potential iPhone killers, the new Treo is definitely not going to be an iPhone killer. Instead Palm are really trying to put together a great group of highly functionable and usable phones, that will bring them out of the doldrums and back into the competition.

The phone is available on Vodafone and O2 in Europe and will be available unlocked for $549 in the U.S.

Posted on August 20, 2008 - by Steven Finch

HTC Touch Pro Review - 3G iPhone Killer With Great Potential

Nearly a month or so ago, we looked at 6 iPhone 3G Killers that Apple needs to watch. Those 3G Killers include Samsung Omnia i900, Sony Ericsson XPeria X1, Nokia N96, Sony Ericsson C905, The HTC Touch Diamond and the HTC Touch Pro . The HTC Touch Pro is phone we are going to look at today and run through its features and attributes in a bit more detail.

The HTC Touch Pro has to be currently one of the most powerful and featured packed phone on the planet. Key features are:

• 288 MB RAM
• 528 MHZ Processor
• Runs on Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro
• UI: TouchFlo 3D (just as powerful as the iPhone’s UI
• 3.2 MP Camera with AF and Flash
• QWERTY keyboard

The HTC Touch Pro combines some great touch technology with a more usable and efficient QWERTY keyboard which is much easier to use for office executives. The HTC Touch Pro will definitely be a 3G iPhone competitor with a great chance to really sell a lot of units. Im very much looking forward to getting my hands on one of these myself!