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Skip Navigation LinksPC Authority > Features > CeBIT 2008: the big wrapup
CeBIT 2008: the big wrapup
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FEATURE

CeBIT 2008: the big wrapup

by William Maher  on May 22, 2008
Tags: CeBIT | 2008
Is this the future of radio? The Edifier iF366 Digital Radio, with iPod dock
Is this the future of radio? The Edifier iF366 Digital Radio, with iPod dock

Is digital radio the next big thing in portable music? If you haven't heard of it, don't confuse it with Internet radio - it's the digital equivalent of over-the-air stations you listen to in your car (though you'll need a digital radio receiver). DAB+ digital broadcasts will begin in January 2009, according to this site, and promises "crystal clear" sound, and things like traffic updates and in some cases pause and rewind. Cities slated for digital radio are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart.

The concept has its skeptics, but if you're waiting for a play, you won't have to wait too much longer. Edifie had this clock radio (above) with digital radio on show at CeBIT - dubbed the iF366, the black and red number will set you back in the order of $299 when it goes onsale later this year, and includes an iPod dock.

Big boy of iPod speakers: The Edifier iF500
Big boy of iPod speakers: The Edifier iF500

Edifie has some design mojo under its belt, with a rep telling us the company now has two BMW designers in its stable. The company does a range of audio gear, but it was the iPod speakers which caught our eye. The biggie is the iF500, a large rounded dome shaped black speaker, which was vaguely reminiscent of the uber expensive Zepplin, but a damn sight cheaper at $399.

Edifier E20: USB 2.0 speakers, but made with a solid cast alloy base
Edifier E20: USB 2.0 speakers, but made with a solid cast alloy base

We also spotted these USB 2.0 PC speakers at the Edifie stand. Unlike the light and cheap feeling speakers being flogged by so many component manufacturers, this pair have solid cast alloy in the base, and they're heavy enough to do serious bodily harm if thrown. The E20 speakers are 25 watt RMS per speaker and are priced at $199.

Big Brother is watching . . . your files. SilverStone's hard drive enclosure with RFID
Big Brother is watching . . . your files. SilverStone's hard drive enclosure with RFID

We're in two minds about this super-secure portable hard drive enclosure from SilverStone. It comes with RFID security - after slotting in a drive, you'll need to pair up the separate key with the unit. Then, whenever you plug the drive into your PC, you'll need the key to "unlock" your files. Great idea, but even SilverStone admit there's not much you can do if you lose the key (except profuse swearing).

Magellan may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of in-car GPS, but they're claiming to be the first in one area - voice activation. Their reps claim that the Maestro line of in-car GPS devices such as the 3250 and 4250 will recognise basic commands like "Go Home", which is great news if it works properly, because we've frankly got the #$%T# with Mio's less-than-user-friendly menu systems.

We've also been on the lookout for the first appearance of GPS with gyro sensors, something which got some press in the US during CES this year. The idea is to give you some extra location-tracking when you're in tunnels - but there's nothing local in this area to report yet, from Magellan at least.
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