I was vacationing last week, so I missed my chance to comment on the Zune HD rumors. Microsoft had already told me that it is planning one more iteration of the Zune hardware, and given the iPhone's success, it wouldn't surprise me if it has a touch screen (though I was hoping for something more cutting-edge, like a projector).
Now it appears that Microsoft's getting ready to launch Zune for mobile phones around the same time.
According to AdWeek, Microsoft is currently staging a run-off between three advertising agencies--its longstanding advertising partner, McCann Erickson, Crispin Porter + Bogusky (which is overseeing the Windows brand campaign that's making lots of news), and JWT (which recently took over Microsoft's People Ready campaign)--for a product referred to as "Pink."
The article says only that Pink is a mobile service. But according to ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley and other sources, Pink is a code name for the Zune software and services running on mobile phones.
Microsoft is due to pick an agency for the campaign by the end of May, which could mean we'll start seeing ads for Zune on mobile phones by the middle of the summer.
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(Credit:
Sony)
Word of a new attempt to impress female gamers showed up Tuesday on Sony's official PlayStation blog. This year, a "lilac"-colored PSP will be released.
At $199, the console will come in a bundle that includes a Hannah Montana game, episodes from the show, and stickers for an added girly touch. For the same price, Sony will also sell an "Assassins Creed" bundle that includes a black console and other unannounced content.
Lady gamers were peeved last November when a pink "Guitar Hero" controller was released, compliments of the tween band Aly & AJ.
I'm not one to complain about tech products gone girly, but it's unnecessary for companies like Sony to constantly shove pop-star paraphernalia down our throats. A purple PSP coupled with "Assassins Creed" or "God of War" would be a satisfying bundle for girl gamers. I'm not paying $199 for a purple PSP if I have to be inundated with the likes of Ms. Montana.
The LG Lotus in purple.
(Credit: LG)Remember not so long ago when almost every cell phone was black, gray, or silver? Then, thanks to the Motorola Razr V3, pink was suddenly an "it" color for cell phones. But gradually, red became the new pink, and now it seems that purple is the new red.
Though we don't agree just yet that a purple wave will sweep cell phone land, Sprint is pushing the line that purple is the new hot hue for cell phones. Indeed, two of its new cell phones introduced at CTIA Fall 2008 come in the color of the royals. The Samsung Rant is offered in purple, red, and black, and the LG Lotus comes in purple and black.
Previous purple phones includes the Sony Ericsson W380a and S500i, the Motorola W755, and the LG CU515. While those handsets appear to be laying the groundwork for a trend, time will tell if purple develops into a full-blown design fad. After all, that whole champagne thing never really caught on. Personally, I'm still hoping green handsets have their day.
What do you think? Is purple here to stay? What cell phone colors would you like to see?
Edward Burns' latest film, Purple Violets, won't be coming to a theater near you, but you won't have to go far to see it. The movie is available to anyone with $13 and an account at iTunes. It is the first time a feature film has premiered at the Apple media store.
Burns first landed on the scene in Hollywood with his highly successful 1995 film The Brothers McMullen. He wrote, directed, produced and starred while managing to spend less than $30,000 putting together the vehicle that would pave the way for his role acting in Saving Private Ryan.
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The ladies love lavender.
(Credit: Archos)In a move that will surely delight Prince, the latest Archos 405 portable video player will apparently be available in purple at tomorrow's launch. The purple version will have the same price and 2GB capacity as its silver brother. Despite my suspicions, it will not smell like potpourri or grape Kool-Aid. For more information on the Archos 405, check out our full review and photo gallery.
(Credit:
Fareastgizmos)
This whole air guitar thing is apparently getting a wee bit out of control (not to be confused with Wii). It all started last year with the air guitar T-shirt but has since spawned other virtual devices such as the "Air Guitar Pro" neck and, most recently, an electric pick.
At least the last few iterations have borne some characteristics of the actual instrument, albeit in amputated form. The latest toy, however, does away with any aspects of the guitar altogether under the guise of a wristband, of all things. Maybe it's supposed to honor Avril Lavigne. Or something.
Like other simulated instruments, the "AirMusician" has built-in sensors that detect arm movements, but this one doesn't play mangled tunes based on your own picks. Instead, according to Fareastgizmos, it simply plays one of five pre-programmed songs, including "Smoke on the Water," upon sensing your motions. Which prompts us to ask: Is there anything that doesn't play "Smoke on the Water"? That's what we thought.
(Credit:
Motorola)
As Motorola phones have been dedicated to cities, race cars and obscene consumerism, it's nice to see that at least one handset is being reserved for an icon a little closer to home: mom.
The Motorazr Purple V3i has been launched for Mother's Day, apparently the first Motorola phone sold exclusively through its own stores. SlashGear says it's basically a standard V3i model with a deep metallic finish, though it's nice to know that someone cares. But purple? Maybe it's aimed at moms nostalgic for the '60s.
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