mini

Opera Mini 4: First Look

Now here's a browser that puts more thought into mobile functionality than your everyday cell phone browser: Opera Mini 4. Rather than limply recreate a pared-down version of the desktop browser, Opera has explored eye-expanding ways to get at mobile content. Full or modified screen view? Landscape mode? Hot keys for scrolling? Yes, yes, and yes! See Opera Mini 4's features here in the First Look video below.

>>See all First Look videos

A mini-robot to work out those knots

We at Crave live for massages. In fact, if we had a choice, we'd probably spend all hours in a massage bed and personal sauna. Alas, with such luxuries out of reach, so we're constantly on the lookout for something that can satisfy our need for a quick fix--and on paper, at least, this rechargeable mini-massager looks worthy of consideration.

There's certainly no shortage of massage devices on the market, but this ergonomically designed model looks easier to use than most. As Gizmowatch notes, it has kind of an R2-D2 quality about it that could make it … Read more

Opera Mini 4 finally sheds its beta

Today Opera announced the full release of Opera Mini 4, after three beta releases. I tested the second beta version of this powerful mobile browser on a BlackBerry Pearl back in August (read review) and was eager to reproduce my experience today on the same phone, particularly to see for myself that the landscape view that never worked for BlackBerry still isn't ready. It's not.

The first thing I should point out is that in the complex dance between manufacturer, carrier, and third-party software, some toes get smashed. Before you download Opera Mini 4 over the air, via SMS, or by PC-to-phone push, it's best to input your phone details and read up on any instructions to make Opera Mini 4 compatible with your particular phone. Here's an example: North American users of BREW phones (e.g., anything on Verizon) are out of luck with Opera, and T-Mobile and AT&T users may have extra steps before they can get Opera Mini 4 going.… Read more

Groundbreaking audio equipment: CD players

Aside from the outlandish loudspeakers that seem to come out on a regular basis, some of the more interesting designs we've seen lately in musical hardware have come from an unlikely source: CD players.

Some are compact systems that are fitting for a SoHo loft, but others are destined for the serious audiophile market as well, such as the "Mini Droplet 3.1." Despite its unfortunate name, this is the most drool-worthy high-end player we've seen since the "Eagle"--and, according to Audio Junkies, it comes with some impressive credentials.

We would hope so, … Read more

Audi A1 photos and details revealed

Mini? Mini who?

Audi has released photos of its Audi A1, aka the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept car that it plans to debut at the 2007 Tokyo auto show next week.

The Audi wins hands-down in terms of a sophisticated and elegant look for a sub-compact, inexpensive car compared with its intended rival, the BMW Mini Cooper.

The Audi A1 makes BMW's Mini Cooper look like Minnie Mouse, a colorful, fun and quirky friend you once thought was cute as a child. But now that you're an adult your interests lie more toward Heidi Klum or Seal.

My … Read more

Episode 576: One man's burning NanoPants

… Read more

Mac Mini to be replaced by Mac Nano?

We approach all Apple-related rumors with skepticism, but sometimes we get a certain feeling about them, and today's from Mac OS Rumors gives us that tingle of plausibility. Word from one of that site's "oldest and most reliable sources in Cupertino" is that the Mac Mini is going to be replaced before the end of the year by what they refer to as the "Mac Nano."

"Overall volume will be shrunk almost 25 percent, weight by about 20 percent, and an all-new enclosure will be strikingly different from the design that has been … Read more

BMW Group to build four new models by 2012

At its management board meeting powwow in Munich yesterday, BMW shed some light on its plans for future models, revealing that it plans to launch four new models by 2012. According to Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW, the new models include:

The BMW X1, a mini SUV, which will presumably be based on the same platform as the 1-Series coupe that is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. next year. A four-door Gran Turismo sedan, based on the BMW CS concept from this year's Shanghai auto show. A coupe version … Read more

Desktop design: Apple vs. Sony

It's likely that more than a few would-be Mac buyers who decided that for whatever reason they couldn't part with Windows ended up with a VAIO. All PC manufacturers place an importance on design, of course, but no two more than Apple and Sony. Both companies recently put out updates to their all-in-one and small-form-factor systems. Let's take a look at how they compare.

Apple's latest iMac effort returns the shape and stand of the previous iteration but adds an anodized aluminum finish to the enclosure and a glossy glass panel to the display. The case … Read more