Microsoft today announced a Digital Home Makeover Contest.
The $10,000 prize package will include a new PC with Windows Media Center, Extenders for Windows Media Center, flat screen television and "video-capable" wireless home networking.
Linksys today announced a network camera aimed at small business surveillance applications. The WVC2300 Wireless-G Business Internet Video Camera with Audio is a AC-powered " box-type camera" supporting Ethernet and 802.11g wireless network connectivity.
The WVC2300 has a maximum 640x480 (VGA) resolution and 30 FPS frame rate and dual codecs (MPEG-4 and MJPEG) that can be used simultaneously. The camera uses a progressive scan CCD sensor with low-light sensitivity for image capture in low light environments or "near dark" conditions. An IR Cut Filter is also provided, which, when used with a separate infra-red lamp, allows video capture in total darkness.
Skype and UK mobile operator 3, have launched a 3G phone that includes the ability to make free Skype to Skype calls and send free Skype instant messages.
The 3 Skypephone is a fully-featured 3G Internet phone with Skype built-in. In addition to Skype calls, the phone makes conventional calls and can be used to access 3's broad range of other Internet services. Unlike previous Wi-Fi based Skype phones, the 3 Skypephone works on WCDMA (2100MHz ) GSM and GPRS (900/1800 MHz) mobile networks and includes text-based messaging capability. The phone has built-in Bluetooth, but not Wi-Fi.
IPEVO earlier this week announced a stand-alone Skype desktop phone that can make and receive Skype voice calls without a computer.
The SOLO has an RJ-45 Ethernet connector for LAN connection and works on any broadband Internet connection. The phone comes embedded with Skype software, enabling users to make and receive Skype voice calls right out of the box, and supports Skype-to-Skype, SkypeIn, SkypeOut and Skype Voicemail features.
Sling Media today announced the retail launch of the new Slingbox SOLO.
The SOLO is a mid-line addition positioned between the Slingbox AV and Slingbox PRO that connects to a standard definition or high definition set top box. It includes standard (4:3) and widescreen (16:9) video support and increased streaming performance (full VGA resolution, up to 8Mbps around the home).
Linksys has announced two Media Center Extenders that are "Coming in November".
The DMS 2100 Media Center Extender and DMA 2200 Media Center Extender with DVD Player are designed to support streamed content from PCs running Windows Vista Premium or Ultimate using Ethernet and draft 802.11n wireless connections.