hk

Google forced to change China approach--again

Google's delicate balancing act in China appears to be coming undone.

Google publicly declared its intention in March to move its Chinese-language Internet search operation in Hong Kong in hopes of bypassing censorship laws for companies that operate in mainland China, but the public showdown with the Chinese government never seemed destined for a happy ending. Google announced late Monday night that China will not renew its Internet Content Provider license--a key authorization scheduled to expire Wednesday--unless Google stops redirecting Google.cn visitors to Google.com.hk.

It seems unlikely that its newest strategy will pass scrutiny either. … Read more

Harman Kardon unveils new AV receiver line

Harman Kardon has announced a new line of AV receivers at CEDIA 2009, ranging from $600 to $1,200. Each of the models features a nearly identical exterior design, with a stylish two-tone front panel and a thin strip of buttons running down the middle. Let's take a look at how the receivers break down in terms of features.

Key features of the Harman Kardon AVR 1600:

7.1 AV receiver, 50 watts per channel Three HDMI inputs Automatic speaker calibration Text-based onscreen display Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Six digital audio inputs (3 optical, 3 coaxial) Available now | $600 list price

Key step-up features of the Harman Kardon AVR 2600:… Read more

The Porsche of machine pistols

Whether it's OG ornate or something more discreet, Heckler and Koch has an MP5K maschinenpistole for the dad or grad in your life. Legend has it that the K--which stands for kurz, or "short," in German--was conceived by an HK South American sales rep who saw a market for it as protection for businessmen on the hard streets of Rio.

Marketed as the ultimate close-quarters weapon at 4.4 pounds and less than 13 inches long, the MP5K is easily concealed and can be fitted with an optional folding Choate butt-stock or a sound suppressor.

It's … Read more

Hot deal: Harman Multimedia SoundSticks II for $135 shipped

If you're like a lot of urbanites, your PC or laptop is also your media center, home theater, and audio system. If your apartment is 120 square feet and you're paying $1300 a month in rent (hello San Francisco!), you want to save space and dollars, so an array of conventional speakers may not be an option for full-on audiophilic indulgence.

Harman Kardon to the rescue. The HK SoundSticks are legendary among computerists, design fans, and aficionados of ultraclear sound. And with this "II" version, they work equally well with a PC or a Mac. You'… Read more