Pioneer claims 400GB, Blu-ray-like disc

Got a big archiving project you've been itching to do? Pioneer's latest development could help you keep all your data in one nice, little circular package.

The Japanese electronics maker has been working on an optical disc, which, like Blu-ray, can store 25GB of data in a single layer. But Pioneer says it's one-upped the high-definition format to the sixteenth degree. The company announced today that it has a single disc that contains 16 layers of storage, at 25GB each. That adds up to 400GB of data capable of being stored on a single disc.

Blu-ray comes in single layer (25GB) and dual-layer (50GB) flavors. Pioneer does say that because the lens specification for reading the discs is similar to Blu-ray, "it is possible to maintain compatibility" between its disc and Blu-ray discs. That's not saying it will be compatible, but it would make sense since Pioneer is one of the original Blu-ray Disc Association members.

However, plans for that archiving project will have to be put on pause if you want to use this technology. Pioneer is going to demonstrate it at an industry conference next week, but for now the disc is read-only. Eventually, they'll add write capability as well.

E3 2008: Trend alert--cooperative gameplay

Each year, the selection of games on display at E3 reveals what the hottest current trend in the video game industry is at the time--usually manifesting itself as an overused gameplay mechanic that every developer suddenly feels the need to shoehorn into their games.

This year's big buzzword is cooperative gameplay--meaning gamers play together, but are collaborating, rather than competing, to complete the game's goals. This often happens online, where gamers connect via Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network from remote locations.

We've seen several examples this week of the cooperative gameplay mechanic added to games that don't seem to need it, except as a bullet point on a marketing plan. Resident Evil 5 is adding an online cooperative mode, where players can assist each other in surviving an onslaught of zombie-like creatures. It seems oddly out of place in a game series that has traditionally been a single-player experience designed around building a tense atmosphere through fear and isolation.

We also saw co-op features added to Fable II, the ambitious sword-and-sorcery role-playing game from designer Peter Molyneux. While playing through the game, which is a traditional single-player RPG, players will run across glowing orbs. Those orbs represent gamers on your Xbox Live "friends list," who are also playing Fable II at the same time. You can then invite them to jump into your game, where they can lend a helping hand for as long as they want. At first glance, it seems gimmicky and out-of-place, but Molyneux (Populous, Black & White, The Movies) is known for pushing genre boundaries, if not always successfully.

A much more traditional co-op experience will be found in Gears of War 2, the sequel to the 2006 Xbox 360 hit. From our brief hands-on time with the game, it seems to not stray much from the original's successful formula, with tough-as-nails soldier-types fighting weird insect creatures.

The first Gears of War game had a two-person cooperative mode, where you and a friend could play through the entire plot together, and hopes were high for an expanded four-player co-op mode in the sequel (similar to the four-player co-op mode in Halo 3). Unfortunately, the main game is still restricted to two players, but as a consolation prize, there is a new five-person online cooperative mode that's essentially a simple shooting gallery pitting humans against endless waves of monsters.

Co-operative gameplay will also play a big part in Sony's upcoming Little Big Planet (which we talked about in our show preview). There, four players can link up online and guide their tiny sock-puppet-style avatars through a series of puzzles built out of giant versions of everyday household objects.

You can expect to see a greater emphasis on cooperative gameplay in new games this holiday season and beyond. In some cases, it's a natural fit (Gears of War 2, Little Big Planet), in others, we'll have to take a more wait-and-see attitude

Gaming keyboard meets manual typewriter

Hard-core gamers are always looking for gear that will survive the most merciless abuse under their sweaty palms. So needless to say, tough keyboards are frequently at the top of the list.

But it isn't often that a new version borrows a technology from the distant past. The first gaming keyboard in OCZ's new "Alchemy" series features keys made from "100 percent rubber-coating for no-slip comfort," according to PClaunches. And in doing so, the "Elixir" is taking a tack used by old Royal and Underwood manual typerwriters, which occasionally sported rubber caps designed to endure the relentless pounding required to operate the primitive equipment.

Alchemy has included a few more modern features as well, such as 10 programmable keys--the same number provided by the lower-end version of the vaunted "Optimus Maximus" keyboard from Art Lebedev, by the way. We don't know how well the Elixir stacks up in that regard, but at $30 vs. $462, it might be worth a try just to see.

HTC Touch Diamond gets a beefier battery

Now here’s some news that can make the day for any Touch Diamond user. Soon the price tag of 50 euro (or 80 US dollars) can get you an original extended battery for your beloved devices - along with a spanking new replacement back cover to accommodate the added bulkiness.

The new Touch Diamond extended battery BP E270 is an original HTC product with a capacity of 1350 mAh. The new battery and back cover will surely add some thickness and weight to the device, but that would be reasonably compensated by the added uptime. Having in mind the usability issues that the good-looking diamond-shaped back panel brings along, we are a bit let down that HTC haven’t made the new replacement cover flat. The extended battery pack BP E270 is a great new accessory but it sounds a bit overpriced at 50 euro (or 80 US dollars).

Before you shell out the cash on the original battery, you may also consider a third-party alternative that’s not only already available, but also a bit more affordable.

The second alternative pumped up battery is by the Chinese manufacturer Cameron Sino and it would only set you back 33 euro (or 51 US dollars). It’s rated at a 1800 mAh and comes with a replacement back cover too. This one’s flat however, and while we still don’t know whether it looks as good as it’s supposed to, we welcome the opportunity for making our Diamond-back totally flat-back (those two names actually sound like two different animal species - too much Discovery Channel, we know).

The original HTC replacement battery BP E270 and the third-party solution by Cameron Sino

Back to cell phone batteries, we are also glad to share that you can find the official Touch Diamond battery available for pre-order here, while the third-party replacement pack can be found here - both from the online store of Clove Technology UK.

Solar Mobile Charger

It’s hot summer already. Best time to go camping with friends or family. Think of a solar charger for your mobile phone, PDA or iPod now. With one of the latest models offered for sale you may finally find yourself independent of electricity supply anywhere. Pocket solar mobile charger has come out in July and has already gathered lots and lots of positive comments.

New Solar Mobile Charger is small enough to fit in any pocket (9 x 6 x 1.5 cm), and it won’t disturb you while walking or sitting. Gadget also has an additional slider solar charging panel (5.5V /300MA) for double speed charge of ran down mobile phone’s battery, PDA, MP3 player, notebook, portable radio, iPod, etc. The Solar Mobile Charger’s list of compatibility is really very huge so it doesn’t need to be presented. Owner of any mobile phone or other gadget will easily find a proper connector in the kit (perfect for those who travel a lot and have to work with a number of electrical gadgets).

Another useful thing Solar Mobile Charger is equipped with, is an accumulator built in the device. Even if you don’t need an extra charge for your gadgets at the moment, you can leave it on the sun to imbue it up full. Such a way an assured piece of electric energy will be ready when the sun goes down. Solar Mobile Charger accepts another way of charging its batteries. Beforehand going somewhere, simply connect it to your PC via USB (required cable is presented). It will charge your gadget as well.

Price for Solar Mobile Charger is 19.95 USD (it is sold mostly in United Kingdom) which is not much I thing due to today’s prices for electricity. An active user will recompense it in no time saving environment too by the way.

Radius Atomic Strap Earbuds (blue)

Colorful earbuds have become increasingly popular with headphone manufacturers, possibly because of consumer demand for something a bit more stylish than plain white or black. It’s no wonder: Earphones are basically accessories that serve to pipe music to your ears, so they might as well be fashionable. Radius is one company that has popped up with an impressive array of color-coordinated headphones. One model, the Atomic Strap, even attaches to the bottom of your 3G iPod Nano and lets you sport it around your neck. At $40, these ‘phones are quite a value for bass-loving Nano owners.

The Radius Atomic Strap earbuds are available in a variety of colors to match the third-generation Nano, but owners of the pink and red version are out of luck for the time being. As of press time, available colors include black, silver, blue, and green. The earbuds descend from two thin, white cables that are attached to a thick white neck strap (except in the black version, where all cords are black). At the end of the lanyard is a small rectangular attachment that connects to the iPod via the dock connector and headphone jack. The player feels very secure when docked onto the Atomic Strap; in fact, it’s a bit of a challenge to detach it. While worn, the iPod hangs about a foot or so from the neck. The earbuds cannot be used with any other device, meaning they’re not terribly versatile, but we’re willing to forgive this given the affordable price tag.

In testing, we found the Atomic Strap earbuds to be quite comfortable. Radius includes three sizes of silicone ear sleeves, which do a reasonable job at passively blocking outside noise. The fact that the aperture is angled off of the earpiece also helps in this regard, and likely contributes to the comfort as well. Still, any potential users should be OK with sticking something into the ear canal, as that is necessary with these ‘phones.

Sound quality was pretty impressive for earphones in this price range. The Atomic Strap is definitely heavy on the low-end, though, so listeners who don’t like a lot of bass and prefer more even audio should take heed. High-end detail is not lost in the thumping lows, but high-hats, triangle, and acoustics don’t really sparkle. However, mids sound warm and encompassing. Music that really shines is that in the hip-hop, downtempo, and electronic categories. Hard rock songs can tend to sound muffled and overblown. All in all, the Atomic Strap Earbuds are a great option for bass-addicts who want to wear their 3G iPods necklace-style

Robot crabs coming to an office near you

This August, you may be dodging something other than Frisbees at the beach or your boss at the office.

Innovation First is releasing the Hexbug Crab, the latest in its line of Hexbug microrobotic toys that sell for about $9.99.

While the minirobot is geared toward kids, it’s easy to see the Hexbug Crab gaining a place alongside office stress balls in cubicles across the country.

Like other Hexbugs, the Hexbug Crab can be left to roam around and respond to its environment. Think of it as a little pet that doesn’t need to be fed.

“Feelers” on the crabs legs are actually robotic sensors that help it avoid obstacles. It responds to loud clapping or banging sounds by running away. The Hexbug Crab, however, is slightly more advanced than Hexbug’s robotic bugs. This one will also have light sensors and be programmed to scurry to the darkest spot it can find, just like a real crab does.

The 75-employee Greenville, Texas-based company also seeks to promote robots in general. It maintains RobotEvents.com, a site that tracks news of educational robotic and technology projects for children and teens.