As the leading players battle it out for a position in the emerging TV mobile market, there might not be the market there they hope for, if a new survey is to be believed. According to a report by Ofcom, fewer people are watching television, with the biggest decline in the 16-24 year old age group.

Industry figures say DVDs and gaming, while others point to the growth of the internet. Here at Shiny Media, we think it probably is.  Let's face it, would you rather sit through an episode of Only Fools And Horses for the 14th time or any other of the tired old sitcoms the Beeb continually repeat or would you rather be reading something exciting you can interact with on the web?

At Shiny Media, we have everything from cool fashion to fab footwear, along with the latest in technology, the hottest gadgets for girls, the best from eBay, tips to keep your computer on top form and much much more.

And if you really have to go back to watching TV at any point, the team at TV Scoop can even find you something worthwhile on the box. Where would you be without us?

Via BBC

You may remember the Asono Mica MP3 player from last year? If not, it was a strange music player designed in Norway with a look that would make the iPod shuffle look busy, but with a price tag that would make most of us think twice. Well, it's back as a low cost version and re-branded as the Play.

Miminalism is the key here - the Play has no screen and just a single joystick for control. It plays MP3, WMA and ASF files for up to 12 hours on a single charge of its built-in battery, has five equaliser pre-sets and can support up to four playlists or play through randomly in shuffle mode.

The lack of screen means, rather bizarrely, that sound is used to help you navigate. A variety of "distinctive" sounds allow you to choose between settings, select your tracks and move between playlists. Confusing? Almost certainly.

If you want to stand out from the crowd with your minimalist music player, you can pick one up for around £67 for the 512MB version or around £88 for a 1GB model.

Via The Register

More portable players:
Pebble MP3 player
Dixons player with free music

Fujitsu Siemens has unveiled the Lifebook Q2010, which it claims is "the world's most desirable laptop". And just to make it even more desirable, they're limiting the number produced.

The Lifebook Q2010 is a Centrino-branded machine based on an Intel Core ULV processor and Intel's 945GMS chipset, which also provides the machine's graphics. It features a 1280 x 800, 12.1 inch display and up to 1GB of 400MHz DDR SDRAM on board, of which up to 128MB is used as video buffer. It also features Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11g Wi-Fi, plus 3G mobile phone network connectivity and Gigabit Ethernet, a fingerprint scanner backed by a Trusted Platform Module for secure log-ins, SD and Express Card slots for expansion and a pair of USB 2.0 ports.

In terms of looks, it's just 2cm thick and the entire machine is finished in a "black piano lacquer".

If you want to get your hand on a Lifebook Q2010, it will set you back around £2,700 and is expected to ship in limited numbers in the second quarter of 2006.

Via The Register

More laptops:
Asus readies sports car notebooks
Averatec 4155 widescreen notebook

Lots of new product activity from Sony Ericsson today. After the excitement of the new Cyber-shot phones, the quad band W300i clamshell Walkman phone seems to have lost a bit of thunder - which is a shame, because it's quite a looker.

The W300i plays both MP3 and AAC music files, with up to 30 hours of listening on a single charge. As a music player, it has direct music keys, shuffle function, as well as an in-built FM radio with RDS. It's also shipped with a removable 256MB Memory Stick Micro (M2) expandable to 1GB, as well as a stereo headset, USB cable and music management software.

In addition to the music features, the W300 has a 128 x 160 262K color TFT main display with a second 1-inch 101 x 80 display for track info and caller display, a VGA camera with 4x digital zoom, 3D gaming and Bluetooth.

It's not the most feature-packed phone you'll ever see, but as a small and stylish music phone at the lower end of the price spectrum, it will definitely have mass market appeal

Expect to see it in the stores in the second quarter of this year, at a price of less than £200.

More Sony Ericsson:
Hands on with the Sony Ericsson W950
Hands on with the Sony Ericsson M600

Well, the Winter Olympics has ended and if you missed it, the UK won a silver for diving head first down a slippery slope, but we lost out in the curling, our only other chance of success until they introduce snowballing or slipping on an icy road to the event.

Apparently, viewing figures were higher than expected, despite our non-participation in most of the sports, so there could well be a ready market for this gem Bayraider has discovered on eBay - the Olympic torch. Actually I should say 'an' Olympic torch, as there were 386 of them used in the run-up to the Turin games.

It's your for a starting price of $5,000. Interested? Head on over to Bayraider to find out more.

If you like to snap away with your mobile, you'll want a closer look at Sony Ericsson's new Cyber-shot range of mobile phones, which pack a 3.2MP camera and allsorts of extras previously only found in a dedicated digital camera.

Both of the models unveiled today - K800 and K790 come in a "sleek black velvet" casing and feature a tasty 3.2 megapixel camera with flash and lens cover, dedicated shutter button, auto red eye reduction, printing without a PC with PictBridge, video and image stabiliser function and something rather impressive known as BestPic - press the shutter once and get 9 images, which are then available for you to browse and to select the best one(s). The phones are among the first to feature fully integrated Picture Blogging, which means you can create and update personal blogs directly from the phone in just a few clicks.

Oh yes, they're phones too. The K800 is dual-mode UMTS/GPRS while the K790 is tri-band EDGE. Both models have a two inch QVGA 262K TFT display, 64MB internal flash memory with Memory Stick Micro M2 expansion, Bluetooth, full HTML browsing with RSS feeds, support for standard push email, video recording and playback, a music Player supporting MP3/AAC plus FM radio and 3D gaming.

As yet, we have no exact release dates for either the K800 and K790, but we believe the phones will retail for around £300. We'll keep you posted on both.

More Sony:
Hands on with the Sony Ericsson W950
Hands on with the Sony Ericsson K610

Is it a Sony PSP clone? Is it an update of Sega's Game Gear? It's neither - the GamesPower 50 from Logic3 is a handheld gaming device that takes its inspiration and gameplay from the past.

The GamesPower 50 is pitched squarely at the retro gaming market. An 8Bit gaming device with a 2.5" colour TFT screen, (fairly) small and lightweight and without the need to carry games with it because they're all pre-loaded. Yes, all 50 of them - driving, archery, racing, darts, pool, warfare and quizzes - from the days when gameplay was more important than flashy graphics. Which is just as well, as they didn't have flashy graphics. You can also connect it to your TV for a full-screen game via a standard TV-out cable.

Available in either red or blue and powered by three AAA batteries, you can pick the GamesPower 50 up for around £40.

Find out more

More gaming:
UK PS3 unlikely in 2006
Browse the web with a Nintendo DS

It's fairly obvious that hard disk DVD recorders are rapidly falling in price - Aldi brought out an 80GB model for less than £100 before Christmas. And a 250GB recorder is now available from Maplins just short of £230. A similar sized drive would have set you back around twice that last year!

Maplin Electronics 250GB hard disk DVD Recorder offers nearly 300 hours of storage space and
recording time. You can pause and save your favourite TV on to the hard disk, so that you can return and watch as if time stood still. You can record on both hard disk and DVD (DVD+R/RW) with six different quality settings and a DV input on the front panel also enables you to transfer your camcorder footage straight on to the hard disk.   

Certainly not the most stylish box in the world, but as a practical recorder, it's worth a look. Available now for £229.99, with a 160GB version also available for £199.99.

Find out more

More recorders:
Tosh's HD DVD players set for March launch
Sony debuts 250 gig hard disk video recorder

Another day, another iPod accessory. But this time, it's something a little different - Belkin's TuneStage for iPod, which simultaneously streams music wirelessly from an iPod to a larger stereo system and converts your iPod into the remote control.

The TuneStage device comprises a Bluetooth receiver that connects to your stereo and a Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into your iPod. Using Bluetooth technology, TuneStage can transmit from up to 33 feet away from your stereo, bypassing the traditional barriers to remote operation, such as walls, ceilings, or windows. Once you're wirelessly connected, your iPod is your remote - ideal for skipping through your playlists. And since the unit draws power directly from the iPod, it needs no batteries or extra cables.

The TuneStage, which is compatible with iPod 3G, 4G, photo and the iPod mini, is available now for around £90.

Find out more

More for your iPod:
Covertec's classy iPod covers
iGuy - the living nano

Rule number 927 of Microsoft - all desktop icons must have a name underneath. It's true, Microsoft doesn't allow you to leave the text field under an icon empty. So if you want a more minimalist look - well you'll just have to want.

Or will you? In theory, removing the text label can't be done, but over at Propellerhead, they have this little trick that replaces the text label with non-printing characters.

It's all a matter of pressing the right keys in the right sequence - follow their simple steps and you'll have that minimalist desktop, without those "stating the obvious" labels underneath.

Get the full details of how to do it, plus loads of other great tips, over at Propellerhead.

Remember the WiPOQ? We previewed this mobile messaging gadget around a year a go. Well, after quite a wait, it looks like a release for the UK is now imminment.

It's a compact (at just 17mm thick) device with a full qwerty keyboard, a dedicated line of numeric keys and a 65k colour screen that's optimised to send email (with attachments) or for messaging. It can also be used for storing contacts, updating your calendar, surfing the web or even playing games. Ideal if you don't have a BlackBerry or don't want to carry round a larger device.  It's a SIM-free device, meaning you don't have to sign up to a contract to use it - instead WiPOQ 'borrows' connectivity from your mobile phone via bluetooth.

We've been informed that it's imminent, but as yet we have no exact date, nor do we have a definite price. We'll keep you posted on both.

Find out more

More portable devices:
Fujitsu Siemens launches Pocket LOOX T series
BlackBerry 8700G

Microsoft has announced it will release six versions of Vista - its re-working of the Windows operating system. There will be three for home users, two for business and one for emerging markets.

Vista Business will be the basic version for companies of all sizes and includes tools that will help organisations manage their PCs. The Enterprise version of Vista will have all of the features of the basic version, adding improved encryption including a BitLocker system that will stop confidential data being viewed if a computer is stolen.

The Home Basic version is intended for people who just want to use their PC for browsing the net, emailing and editing basic documents. Vista Home Premium has those features, plus a new graphical interface called Aero. It will also feature tools to organise and enjoy digital images, music and movies. PCs running the Premium edition will also be able to connect their machine to an Xbox 360 gaming console. Vista Ultimate has all the features of the business and home editions in one package. The Starter edition is a streamlined version intended for low powered PCs found in developing nations.

No prices or a release date has been given for the release of Vista but it is expected to be launched by the end of 2006.

Via BBC

More Microsoft:
Microsoft's TV recommendation gadget
Beta version of IE7 bugged

If you are anything like me, excessive use will mean your once white mouse will now be slightly grey and thoughts will be turning to buying a new - in black. It no longer has to be that way, thanks to the the ScrollSeal - the world's first washable scroll wheel mouse.

The ScrollSeal is waterproof, so it can be fully immersed in a washing up bowl if it ever needs a quick rinse. A removeable scroll also means you can access even the dirtiest corners. It's good for the grubby-handed amongst us, but it has a more serious purpose - it could be helpful in limiting the spread of infections anywhere with shared access to computers -  hospitals, schools, offices or in the home. 

The washable mouse range is available now from around £40.

Find out more

More peripherals:
Sony's VoIP mouse hits the UK
The world's smallest external hard drive?

Although the market is definitely shifting to the smaller (and often more portable) hard disk media players, there's still a demand for more traditional portable DVD players that can play a cross-section of media formats on a decent-sized screen, which is the case with Toshiba's latest portable DVD player - the SD-P2800.

The SD-P2800 features a 9 inch widescreen LCD panel with a 800 x 480 picture resolution, a generous 170 degree viewing angle, thanks to the innovative IPS projection system and three modes for audio playback, including 3D surropund sound.  The 4.5 hour battery life should get you through the longest movie epic, with the unit back to full charge in just one hour using the rapid charge function.  The player also features DivX, multi-format playback for both movies and music and a 4-in-1 card slot for images and music stored on memory cards.

The Toshiba SD-P2800 is available now for around £300.

More DVD players:
Mustek portable DVD player with digital reception
Goodmans 10" portable DVD player

Mobiles are starting to rival portable players now as devices to house your favourite tunes on the move. But sooner or later you'll stop moving - maybe arriving at work, at a friends house or just back home. If you want to play your phone's music without the earphones, it might be worth looking at Sony's neat little solution - the MDS-60 music phone stand.

Tailor-made for the Sony Walkman phone range, just pop your music mobile in the cradle and crank up the noise. It looks good, so ideal to stick on your desk in the office to show off, plus it folds up - so you can take it with you to stop it going walkabout from said desk. It operates from batteries or mains and has speakers covers available in different colours if you want to customise.

The MDS-60 should be in UK stores very soon, price and exact date still to be confirmed.

Via Uncrate

More Sony:
Sony launches Memory Stick Micro (M2) for mobiles
Hands on with the Sony Ericsson W950

Sky has announced a new agreement with Disney, which will result in additional Disney-based channels on the network, but more interestingly, it also plans to offer Disney titles via its broadband download service and on its forthcoming high definition channels.

The new agreement with Disney will see new channels Disney Cinemagic, which features many of Disney's animated classics, along with ESPN Classic, which will show classic sporting moments. There will also be two new channels from Disney as part of Sky's 'Kids Mix' selection.

But more interestingly, films from the Walt Disney studios will now be available for download as part of Sky by broadband and as part of Sky's forthcoming high definition television offering, Sky HD. The idea of watching some of Disney's finest in high definition is certainly tempting and a strong selling point for the service, which should appear in the first half of this year - possibly as soon as April.

To keep up with the latest news on Sky's HD service, plus other developments in the world of high definition, check out HDTV UK.

More Sky:
Sky goes live with HDTV on the web
Sky's HD channels at your fingertips

For years, the nearest that technology has come to the golf course has to be the motorised trolley. Then came the solar-powered golf bag. Now GPS is available to give you an unfair advantage on the course, courtesy of the sureshotgps.

The sureshotgps from Tee2Green is like having a professional caddy in your bag. It's a small, handheld range finder that uses GPS to determine distances around the golf course; either to the hole or to hazards or boundaries on the course. It features a Sarantel GPS antenna - ideal for the job because of its small size, ability to detect low elevation satellites and performance when held close to the human body.

The sureshotgps is also packed with other handy little features like the ability to keep scores, recommended club selection, data storage for up to 10 courses and the ability to download game statistics to a PC, if you want to know where it all went wrong later.

It's available from leading golf outlets for around £230.

Find out more

More golf:
Solar-powered golf bag
USB golf simulator

Specialist hi-fi manufacturer Linn is launching its new Majik System - a dedicated, analogue music system, which the company claims will "revitalise any CD or vinyl collection".

The system comprises of the Majik CD player, Majik Kontrol pre-amplifier and Majik 2100 power amplifier. The CD player is based on Linn's acclaimed Sondek CD12, but also features (as it does on all these components) Linn's proprietary Switch Mode Power Supply, which runs much more quietly than other power supplies so doesn't detract from the music.

The pre-amp features six stereo analogue inputs, a phono-stage for MM and MC cartridges to suit any turntable and an independent record path for continued enjoyment of the music without interrupting the recording. The power amplifier features Linn's Chakra amplifier technology, which delivers a superior, more controlled and efficient audio performance than other amplifier technologies, plus 4mm binding posts for solid electrical contact.

The system launches in May 2006. No price available as yet.

More home audio:
T+A releases valve based SACD/CD player
Panasonic releases SD card compatible hi-fi

Do you pine for the days when playing audio and video files on your PC was easy? You know, wghen you just had to pop in the disc or click on the icon and it played, without the need for complex applications that try to organise your files, create playlists and download additional information from the Internet.

Over at Propellerhead, they feel the same and have highlighted a media player without all the whistles and bells. It's Media Player Classic. It uses very few of your PC's resources and it's Open Source freeware, based on an early version of WMP. But best of all, it can play just about any type of media file, including DVD, DivX videos, QuickTime, Realmedia, AVI, MP3 and CD audio.

Interested? Head on over to Propellerhead now for the full story.

Orange is to offer fixed line phone services to business users in the UK, opening up the possibility of it challenging BT for a chunk of the UK consumer market too.

Using the Cable & Wireless' network, Orange Landline for Business will offer fixed line services with call charges up to 20 per cent less than BT. Based on Wholesale Line Rental (WLR), it means firms will be able to get their fixed line and mobile services from a single supplier. It's the first stage of a major restructuring for Orange in the UK as it positions itself as an integrated communications operator. As part of this overhaul, the ISP Wanadoo will be rebranded in Orange colours, giving the enlarged group the ability to add broadband to the bundle of services on offer.

Today's announcement only deals with business, but don't be surprised if the telecoms group offers a bundle to consumers as well. We'll keep you posted.

Via The Register

More Orange:
BBC clips on your Orange phone
Orange launch EDGE