Cute & Adorable Gadgets!

Here’s an adorable little waterproof TV- the LVT-WD40 by Sanyo. Perfect for watching TV in the shower, the LVT-WD40 has a 4.0 inch LCD screen, an integrated 1Seg digital TV tuner, and approximately six hours of battery life. The LVT-WD40 waterproof shower tv will debut November 21 for 50,000 yen in Japan.

Here’s the scoop on the Google phone: right now, Google is releasing a platform called Android that will run on existing mobile devices by mid-2008. This is only a platform, not actually a phone like we had previously hoped. But, Android promises to be open so carriers and manufacturers can customize software. Android also puts huge pressure on Apple to open up the iPhone so that developers can create free programs to run on it.

As Google writes “Android is the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices. It includes an operating system, user-interface and applications — all of the software to run a mobile phone, but without the proprietary obstacles that have hindered mobile innovation. We have developed Android in cooperation with the Open Handset Alliance, which consists of more than 30 technology and mobile leaders including Motorola, Qualcomm, HTC and T-Mobile. Through deep partnerships with carriers, device manufacturers, developers, and others, we hope to enable an open ecosystem for the mobile world by creating a standard, open mobile software platform. We think the result will ultimately be a better and faster pace for innovation that will give mobile customers unforeseen applications and capabilities.”

Here’s a YouTube video that will help explain the Android platform, if you’re still a bit confused!

A nice feature added to the Zune 2 (in an attempt to defeat the iPod) is the free customization through Zune Originals. Through these customizations, consumers can get whatever they want engraved on the back of their Zune for no extra cost. Additionally, features like WiFi, a gorgeous 3.2 inch LCD screen, and an FM Tuner may lure away traditional iPod fans. So what are the results on the thinner, 80 GB Zune 2?

PC Mag writes that “We’ll just come out and say it: The 80GB Zune trumps the iPod Classic…For the same $250 price as the 80GB iPod classic, the new Zune 80GB offers a much larger screen, FM radio, wireless player-to-player sharing, Wi-Fi syncing with your PC, and a rear panel that can be customized with some cool artwork–for free. Simply put, Apple is no longer the leader in the realm of hard drive-based players. While the Zune 80GB and the iPod classic are both outstanding devices, the Zune has more features–and it’s more fun.”

CNET argues ” With a new design, higher capacity, wireless sync capability, larger screen, and integrated support for audio and video podcasts, the new 80GB Zune ($249) is finally giving everyone a true alternative to the iPod….The 80GB Zune cuts a much slimmer figure than its bricklike older brother. Measuring 4.3 inches high by 2.4 inches wide by 0.5 inch deep, Microsoft shaved some considerable bulk off the Zune’s thickness, while nearly tripling its capacity. Beyond its more pocket-worthy form, the two major improvements to the Zune’s hardware design are its screen and its navigation pad. (83/100)”

Transforming from the ugly duckling to the baby swan (or however the fable goes), the Zune 2 is some serious competition for the iPod, especially considering the vast stylistic improvements that have been made. It will be interesting to see if the Zune 2 can make a dint on iPod sales during the Holidays…

A gorgeous mock up of the rumoured iPhone Tablet recently floated ashore on the Internets. Asus, who works for Apple on projects like the Macbook, iBook, and PowerBook, has confirmed that they’re working on a tablet design not for themselves, but for a client.  And Macworld looks like an opportune time to launch an addition to the iPhone family, especially if there is no iPhone 2 in the works.  All in all, an Apple iPhone Tablet Computer/Phone looks very appealing! Read more here.

It’s nice to finally see companies commit to helping the environment–even if they may only being doing it for the PR. Behold the Vaio FZ Graphic Splash Eco Edition laptops with features like a slim design to reduce the use of fabricated materials, and packaging made of recyclables. Additionally, there are four natural case designs (ironically, this includes a leopard print, which isn’t so friendly when you think about it). Prices start at about $1400 for the VGN-FZ290EGS - Spotted Life, VGN-FZ290EGE - “Clay Earth,” VGN-FZ290EGC - “Caribbean,” and VGN-FZ290EGB - “Bloom.” The eco-friendly laptops have a 2GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 15.4-inch display Vista Home Premium, and other normal FZ specs. The Laptop and batteries are recyclable under Sony’s recycling program, and a very small bit of profits will be donated to the charity 1% For The Planet. And since you are all just dying to buy one, you should know that they launch this November in very limited quantities.