Hands-free Skype, Android phones and pocket camcorders

Oct 16, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Network player from Russia

Moscow (dpa) - The Russian company Iconbit has brought three new network players onto the market with Gigabit LAN connection and full HD support.

The players include a BitTorrent client for file sharing and can serve as a Samba server for other devices in the network and support sites such as YouTube. The XDS42GL and XDS52GL models come with a USB 3.0 connection and a slot for a 2.5 inch SATA hard drive.

The third model, the XDS7GL, does not have a slide-in unit but has USB 2.0 connections. All devices offer HDMI, Component, Composite and digital audio connections. The XDS7GL and XDS42GL both cost 119 euros (162 dollars) while the XDS52GL is 20 euros more expensive.

All-in-one desktop PC from Lenovo

Stuttgart (dpa) - Lenovo is introducing for the fourth quarter of the year an all-in-one desktop.

The ThinkCentre M71z is equipped with either a 1 Terabyte hard drive or a 160 Gigabyte SSD drive and includes an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. The SSD version is capable of 15-second start-ups while the 20 inch display - in which the entire technology is housed - is optimal for touchscreen capabilities.

The computer runs Windows 7 Professional - even on a second monitor through a Display Port connection. In basic configuration, the M71z costs 546 euros.

Colorful new Androids from HTC

Munich (dpa) - HTC is getting colorful as the new smartphone Explorer will be available in black, two tones of blue, orange, white and violet.

The new Androids have a 600 MHz processor, a 3.2-inch touchscreen, a 3 megapixel colour camera and HTC's own Sense platform. The device with Android 2.3 automatically corrects misspelled internet addresses and offers full Flash support.

Useful for newcomers is that Explorer monitors time used on the telephone, text messages and data usage. The HTC will be available from this month for 199 euros.

Small full HD-Camcorder from BenQ

Berlin (dpa) - BenQ has presented a pocket-sized full HD camcorder. The M23 weighs just 170 grams and measures 106 x 65 x 37 mm.

The 5 megapixel video camera includes an Optical 5X zoom and has an LED torch for shooting footage at night with its Night Mode Feature. It also features motion detection. To run the camera or look at pictures or videos, there is a 3-inch touchscreen. The M23 costs 119 euros.

Skype app supports Bluetooth head-sets

Berlin (dpa) - The Skype app for iPhone and iPad work with Bluetooth hands-free equipment. In addition, there is a new function which will help compensate for those who move the device during video chats.

And a security update is also available for the free app for mobile Apple devices. But users must live with advertising with the new version. If there is money in the user's Skype account, then the banner vanishes.