May 2007

BT Group principal research scientist Jonathan Mitchener continues to cast an expert eye over what's new in the devices market.

For those of us who hesitate to try and watch videos on the iPod Video due to its tiny screen, Philips new portable DVD player, the DCP850, may be the answer.

It not only plays DVDs, but also has a slot into which an iPod lays flat. Any video on the iPod can then be watched on the 8.5 inch screen of the Philips player, and it charges up the Apple device while in situ. The space for the latter is neatly obtained by removing the remote control for the DVD player.

A more gimmicky toy is Meccano's new robot called the Spyke. I often mention WiFi since it is gradually appearing in more and more types of gadget - the Spyke is yet another. As well as reading out your Skype text chats, he can also detect movement, trigger alarms on your PC and send you a picture from his on-board camera of what has tripped his sensors. Not mainstream of course, but perhaps another sign that robots will provide useful functions in a domestic environment of the future.

Next I want to mention the first music phone I have come across from one of the top manufacturers which is designed to be used with optional matching speakers - meaning you can share your music with those around you. The Sony Ericsson Walkman W660 phone is designed to plug into its matching MPS-75 speakers which also act as an antenna to feed the 3G handset's FM radio tuner.

At the recent 3GSM cellular industry show in Barcelona, Nokia was pushing its N77 handset which focuses on allowing you to watch telly on the move as well as make phone calls! It uses the DVB-H standard which is a mobile version of the technology that powers FreeView digital TV in so many homes now. The N77 has a 2.4 inch screen with a resolution of 320x240 pixels and for cellular connections has 3G and tri-band GSM/EDGE capabilities.

Finally, also on the subject of TV, Hauppage has now released its WinTV Nova-TD USB stick device which brings dual digital TV tuners to a PC. Like the Elgato EyeTV Diversity for Apple Macs, the Nova-TD also uses antenna diversity techniques to improve signal reception of FreeView digital transmissions while on the move, which is important given that coverage is still very poor in some areas.    

Note: While we make every reasonable effort to ensure accuracy, BT accepts no responsibility for any information contained in Jonathan's article, nor does BT endorse any product or service mentioned.