CES 2008 : The Rap

Keeing it real - MC Mike, Reviewed.com, spits out a mad gadget-fest rhythm.

Check out all the lyrics

CES is flashy, it's the crème de la crème
No other converntion can nerd it up like them
Camcorders, digital cams, and cell phones galore
Let me be your gadget guide, let me take you to the floor

Smart Cycle: How To Attach An AC Adapter

One of the top Smart Cycle consumer complaints is that the stationary plastic tot exercise toy operates on batteries. D. Monty "SkyGator" posted the below "How To Hook Up An AC Adapter To A Smart Cycle" on the Amazon consumer feedback forum.

I bought this product for my 5 year old for Christmas. I also hope my soon to be 3 year old will use it at some point. My son played with it for 3 straight hours when he got it. He preferred it over anything else he got for Christmas. Obviously the 3 major positives are the bike's reasonable price, educational games and its physical fitness benefit.

There is however one major flaw with the bike. The new batteries (Duracell) we used went dead after one day. The following day same story, although he may have left it on when he stop using it. I could foresee this getting expensive, so I decided to hook it up to an A/C adapter.

It is fairly simple to do this. Knowing how to use a drill, a screw driver and basic soldering skill is all that is required.

I went to radio shack for the power adapter (6 volt 800 amps) and size N panel mount DC power jack. I also used a little wire I had around from an old A/C adapter I didn't use any more. This all cost about $26.00 plus tax.

The first thing to do is seperate the two halves of the exterior body.

This includes removing the two base stands. After removing all the screws the body easily comes apart.

Then remove the battery compartment cover and any batteries.

Using a drill create a hole big enough to attach the power jack into the battery compartment cover then another smaller hole in the top of the battery compartment to pass the spare wire through.

Attach the power jack then solder the wire to it and then to the connectors on the outside of the battery compartment.

I connected the positive lead to the tip of the power jack as is my preference, however, since the adapter connector can switch polarity this really doesn't matter.

Just remember whether the power jacks tip is connected to the positve or negative lead.

Then I screwed everything back together and gave it a try.

I didn't realize the bike had to be completely connected to start up, so I was a little concerned that it didn't immediately start when I plugged it into the outlet. However once it was connected to the TV it started right away.

My son has been riding for the last two hours with no problems. I hope this helps.

CES 2008: Wibrain B1 At Lunch@Piero's

VIA Technologies will be showcasing the ultra mobile Wibrain B1 PC during CES 2008 at Lunch@piero's. The handheld 1.15 pounds, Wi-Fi enabled XP-PC uses a 1024 x 600 resolution 4.8-inch WSVGA touchscreen and features a cool pop-up camera/mic. The Taipei, Taiwan based company has hired Santa to promote the new pocket device. See video below:

Smart Cycle Holiday Pricing - $250 (Amazon.com)

If inflated pricing is an indicator of a holiday hit, then the $89 Fisher-Price Smart Cycle has got to top the list. An e-Bay seller at Shaw AFB, SC has priced the tot toy with four games at $300! (Click above photo for full size)


Toddler Catherine riding her Smart Cycle for the first time.

Amazon Consumer Feedback

I gave everything a 5 just that I could post. I haven't used the toy yet.

I just bought this toy this morning at Target for 89.99. I came on this website to make sure I got a better deal. Looks like I did and since most people come to this site hoping to catch a bargain I thought I would save some people the money. Sorry to those of you that are trying to sell it but $200 is double what the stores are charging. The cartridges were only $20. - Denika Rucker

Top Tech Toddler Toy: The Smart Cycle

The Fisher-Price Smart Cycle Learning Game System is a multi-colored plastic stationary bike that hooks up to a television and allows children (3-6 years old, 200lb max) to steer through vitural worlds learning their numbers, letters and shapes and playing games. The edutainment exergaming toy operates on 4 "D" batteries (not included), has changeable software modules ($20/each) and is available at Wal-Mart, Toys 'R Us, Target, KB Toys and Costco for between $84-$99.99. Today, Winter ToyLand is selling the Smart Cycle for $197.88 through Amazon.com!

"The Smart Cycle is an intriguing example of combining movement with learning " states Melinda Pongray, Educational Therapist with Sisiutl Center for Learning in Port Townsend, "Movement is integral to developing cognition. I've used movement activities with children to address a variety of learning difficulties. Products that incorporate learning with movement are a step in the right direction."

Terri Gruca, an award-winning anchor/reporter for WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, MN, produced a video report that shows bike assembly and a 3-year old testing it out for the first time. Watch Video

Consumer Complaints:

- the pedals fall off. the treads get stipped from the base of the bike and the pedals can not be replaced. (hint: use a metal bonding glue when screwing in the pedals to weld them in forever.)
- most of the games do not use the pedals. tots just sit and play games.
- the batteries run out to fast (hint: invest in a set of rechargeable batteries....like Sanyo eneloop's - they are giving away "D" converters that allow AA batteries to be used.)
- two bikes can not be hooked up together so that two can play side-by-side
- the software modules do not have a "save mode", so kids have to start at the beginning of every session
- the handle bars are not adjustable

Typical Consumers Feedback:

This was a gift for my 5 year old son and he absolutely loves it. In the short time we have had it we have seen a real improvement in his ability to count and also with letter identification. It also allows him to learn with out having to sit still (which has been a real struggle for him) since he gets to pedal the bike. I would recommend this product to every parent of a preschool aged child. Its easy to use easy to assemble and hours of educational fun. - SkinzyB, Gillette Wyoming (Walmart Online)

We thought for many months about buying this toy/ game/ activity. We came to the decision to purchase it after seeing it in action in stores and various online videos.

Our son took the Smart Cycle very quickly. He had never pedaled anything well and within twenty four hours his coordination had excelled to master level. His hand eye coordination adjusted quickly as well. He has been moving a computer mouse for many months already, but his use of the handlebars and joystick was impressive.

When I read the review that mentioned the machine crashing I was a bit worried. And then it happened. Or we thought. It isn't that the machine crashed but the cartridge slot is in a poor location. If our son is cycling and his foot slips, it can and has knocked the cartridge loose enough so the game stops. If the machine were redesigned to have the cartridge slot placed elsewhere where a foot can't kick it, then I think it would be a better overall.

We are extremely pleased about our son's enjoyment of the game, making it an excellent learning exercise and gateway to even more physical activity. - AliciaC., Chattanooga, TN (Amazon.com)

Hopefully, the success of the Smart Cycle this holiday season will incourage big business to step up their investment in creating compelling exercise/learning/play products for all age groups.

Let me know what your toddler's experience is with The Smart Cycle Learning Game System.


Toy Wishes magazine selected the Smart Cycle as their "Favorite Preschool Toy" for 2007.

DXG ANNOUNCES FIRST 5 MEGAPIXEL DIGITAL CAMERA/CAMCORDER WITH GAMING FEATURES

Ultimate One-Stop Entertainment Center with Revolutionary 3"LCD Screen
Rotates to Gameboy-Style Shape for Playing 20 Built-in Video Games

City of Industry, CA, April 16, 2007 - DXG USA, one of the fastest growing digital camera manufacturers, announced today the new ultra-compact DXG-589V, digital camera/camcorder and portable entertainment center with gaming features in one pocket-sized device. The DXG-589V features a combination 5 Megapixel digital camera, VGA camcorder, video game player, digital music player, and direct video recording from TVs or DVD players. Tweens, teens, and young adult gamers will love having instant access to games and a camera/camcorder in one sleek package to bring anywhere they go. In addition, the DXG-589V is also geared towards road warriors that want to bring their media with them in one convenient place while on the road.

Priced at only $199.99, the DXG-589V features a 5 Megapixel CMOS sensor that captures vibrant still photos and fantastic video. It records full-motion MPEG-4 video at 640 x 480 at 30 frames per second and digital still JPEG images up to 10 Megapixels (with interpolation). Ultra-compact, sporty, and highly portable, the DXG-589V is the perfect camera and camcorder for people who are always on the go.

Ultimate One-Stop Entertainment Center – Entertainment on the Go!

One great feature of the camcorder is its revolutionary flip screen that can be rotated to create the familiar Gameboy shape, complete with a video game toggle dial, that lets users easily play 20 built-in full-color 2D or 3D video games the way they are used to playing them. Another unique feature is the ability to directly record video from TV, DVD players and VCRs to take and watch anywhere you go. Video files can be saved onto SD cards to be enjoyed later -- perfect for travel, vacations, and road trips.

The DXG-589V also works as a digital music player to listen to your favorite music while exercising or on a train or plane; and as a digital voice recorder for taping self-reminders, school lectures, and messages. Highly-portable, compact and slim, the DXG-589V easily fits in a pocket to capture video and stills on the fly. Why carry multiple devices when you can have the DXG-589V?

Available at Major Retailers

The DXG-589V is available immediately for $199.99 at leading retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City. It comes with a camera pouch, Li-ion Battery, USB cable, AV cable, charger & adapter, stereo earphone, remote controller, wrist strap, driver software, Mr. Photo 3 software, VideoWorks6 software, and user’s manual.

About DXG USA

DXG USA “The Digital Camera Company” is one of the fastest growing digital camera manufacturers in the United States, selling attractively-designed digital cameras for the youth and mainstream markets. Compact, fashionable and affordably priced, DXG digital cameras are setting trends for quality and utility. DXG USA is a fully-owned subsidiary of DXG Technology Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and designers (OEM/ODM) of digital cameras and camcorders. With over 20 years of experience manufacturing digital technology products under other brand names, DXG now designs and manufactures cameras under its own name. DXG Technology has won numerous design and innovation awards and employs over 4,000 people worldwide.

i4U News Now On PodShow

After watching Geek Brief.tv and TeXtra on Podshow, I decided to open an account and see what was what. There appears to be a lot of audio podcasts and a sprinkling of video shows. At the moment, I'm having a hard time just deleting a photo in the gallery. Hmmm. I just had to add "/embed" code so the embedded video code would work....






GDC Video: Interview Shavaun Scott Psychotherapist Part 1 of 2



Nikki Inderlied, i4U News Entertainment Journalist, interviews Shavaun Scott, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist/Gamer, at the very last moments of the 2007 Game Development Conference.

Shavaun began her career as a substance abuse clinician in 1987 and started independent private practice of psychotherapy in 1991. Since that time she has worked with over 1,200 clients in individual & family therapy struggling with compulsive behaviors, drug related addiction, and multiple psychiatric disorders. She is recognized as a specialist in the clinical aspects of computer gaming, including associated benefits, and treatment of problem playing styles. Shavaun has particular interest in the therapeutic uses for VR technology for treatment of anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic problems, and the development of games that enhance learning and psychological development. She has been featured in national and international media broadcasts and publications addressing these issues.

Shavaun and her film making husband Michael Balzer were at GDC conducting interviews for their upcoming documentary, "Gamer: Chronicles of Evanor" -- A gaming psychotherapist explores the psychology of computer gaming, addiction, and V.R.

GDC: Nikki Inderlied in San Francisco with Flowers In Her Hair

i4U News Game Developer Conference videos are now being posted daily to the Sanyo Energy USA myspace blog. Check them out.

GDC 2007 RPG Panel

Video: GDC 2007 RPG Panel

IDG: Phil Harrison GDC Interview

GDC: Photos From March 9

GDC: Shigeru Miyamoto Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award

Shigeru Miyamoto accepted the Lifetime Achievement Choice Award at the Game Development Conference in San Francisco last night. To see video reports of the i4U News Crew coverage go to the i4U News site: http://video.i4u.com/gdc.php

Speaking after he accepted his lifetime achievement award Shigeru Miyamoto, said: "Getting awards like this makes me feel old and like you expect me to retire soon."

At Nintendo Mr Miyamoto has been the creative force behind the Super Mario and Legend of Zelda games. - BBC UK

GDC Photos

Nikki Inderlied, Trip Hawkins and Katelyn Olmstead. Watch the video interview on i4U News.
Katelyn Olmstead interviews Trip Hawkins.

Nikki retrieves her cell phone from the trash.

Photos From GDC

Nikki holds an eneloop 2AA pack sample that the i4U News crew is passing out at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco this week. To see the video reports, go to i4U News


Nikki reading the GDC program to figure out which daily sessions she wants to attend.
The i4U New crew second interview of the conference with with Adobe. All interviewees receive eneloop samples

TrackIR Explained

NaturalPoint's Warren Blyth demonstrates and explains a form of optical tracking technology that is now being used to enhance control in flight, racing, and FPS games and hints at what's coming next. Visit Warren at GDC 2007 Booth 654 WH

Becky "Aktrez" Young talks about Girl Gamers

Becky "Aktrez" Young, GGL, discusses her views of "girl gamers". This video blog is a response to a thread that was brought up on DIGG about girl gaming.

Video-Gaming Docs May Make Better Surgeons

Blasting aliens in video games may help improve a surgeon's skills, suggest researchers at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.

The study of 12 surgeons and 21 surgical residents found that those who were skilled in video games did better in simulated laparoscopic surgery drills.

Of the surgeons who took part in the study, 15 said they'd never played video games, nine reported playing zero to three hours per week, and nine reported playing more than three hours per week at the peak of their game playing.

During the study, the researchers also watched the surgeons play video games in order to assess their gaming skills.

"Surgeons who had played video games in the past for more than three hours per week made 37 percent fewer errors, were 27 percent faster, and scored 42 percent better overall than surgeons who never played video games," the study authors wrote.

(Read More, Click Title)

D.I.C.E Interviews: Nintendo, Sony, & Microsoft

OpenAlpha 16 - Wii Channel Surfing

Jenn takes a road trip to Virginia and enjoys surfing the Wii Channels and playing with the new Wii Remote Straps as well as some less than graceful replacements. (14:09)

Nikki Inderlied: CES 2007 An Interview with Fatal1ty

Video: Nikki Inderlied: CES 2007 An Interview with Fatal1ty

Nikki Inderlied, i4U News Entertainment Journalist, interviews Fatal1ty, a professional electronic sports player, who has won approximately $500,000 in cash and prizes from professional competitions, mainly in the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL). Check out Fatal1ty's myspace

Background Music by The Sutures

The i4U News crew will be covering the 2007 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, March 05-09. Stay tuned for more multimedia reports.