LATEST TECHNOLOGY

Those of us old enough to remember the Jetsons are more than likely disappointed that we don’t have automated robots to wait on us hand and foot quite yet.  However, the younger generation is getting their fix of artificially semi-intelligent silicon delight with SmartLab’s new Recon 6.0 Rover.  The little treaded robot comes with a microphone and speaker so they can scare friends and visitors alike with pre-recorded messages and is easily programmable (unlike most DVRs).
That’s right–the cool thing about this toy is that it’s not remote controlled.  Similar to a hacked Roomba (but much cheaper) this toy relies on computer-style coding to tell it what to do.  That’s where the educational component comes in—kids have to learn to program the Recon 6.0 Rover to make it do what they want it to.
Don’t worry, your child won’t have to re-write Java or hand-code DOS.  There’s an LCD display on the front with several brightly colored buttons below (because kids like brightly colored buttons, right) and the Rover comes with an owner’s manual with everything you need to know to get started.
Kids (or pesky co-workers) can program it to wage cubicle warfare, chase the family dog, or annoy a bratty sister.  And for $60 this thing is cheaper than Tickle-Me Elmo was back in the day—you do know what Tickle-Me Elmo was, right?
So, head on over to SmartLab Toys for the full spec’s and to order yours today.

For those of you anxiously awaiting the Motorola Xoom tablet, you don’t have that much longer to wait.  While you can’t pre-order one yet, you’ll most likely be able to do so within a week.  But the good news is you finally know how much you’re going to have to scrounge up if you want to get your hands on one of these snazzy Honeycomb tablets.

The 32 GB 3G version will be available from Verizon and will cost a whopping $799 without any applicable discounts or deals.  The Wi-Fi only version will be available starting at $600.00.  And if you want to wait a little while, the Xoom will be 4G capable sometime later this year.
That’s not cheap but if you remember the iPad sticker shock upon release, you’ll see that this Xoom pricing falls right in line.
As for specs, the official word is that the final retail models will sport a 1 GHz dual core Tegra 2 processor.  There’s a 5 MP camera (for you shutterbugs out there) “complete” with 720p recorder—which is a little disappointing.  However, the Xoom will support full HD (1080p) video playback.
The Xoom also comes with 32 GB of onboard storage and a battery that’s rated for 10 hours of consecutive use.
It still seems a bit pricey to me but if you want more specs or to stare at some pretty pictures until this thing hits store shelves,  head on over to Motorola for all the details.

• Contacts Bar -Person centric user interface with options to track a digital history of recent text messages, emails, phone logs, photos and blog updates.
• Media Bar -Handy Drop down bar that allows an easy access to your favorite media.
• Large 3.2″ display with 640 x 360 resolution.
• Stereo speakers with surround sound and 3.5mm jack.
• Stylus and finger touch support for text input and user interface control.
• Powerful connections with ultra-fast 3.5G, HSDPA, UPnP Technology and WiFi.
• 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera with Carl Zeiss optics and dual LED flash.
• Front camera for video calls
• Built-in A-GPS, Nokia Maps 2.0 Touch and voice guided navigation.
• Responsive touch screen with tactile feedback.
• Support for Flash Content.
• Stereo FM radio with RDS and TV out.
• Proximity sensor for preventing inadvertent touches and Power Saving.
• nHDwidescreen quality video playback for exceptional quality.
• Storage for up to 6000 tracks with optional 8GB microSD card.
• Symbian OS v9.4, Series 60 rel. 5

Likely to be revealed at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) later this month, Phandroid has acquired an image of what appears to be the LG Optimus 3D. Though yet to be officially unveiled, the handset is said to boast a 4.3-inch display, dual-core CPU, in particular (and the most exciting part) it will have a glasses-free 3D display – meaning you won’t need to look like an idiot in order to see 3D. The report states that the Optiums 3D will use multi-channel RAM and from the photograph there’s also a front-facing camera. LG will be holding a press event on February 14th, wonder what the event might be about?