Display actuators for electronic devices have been one of the focal experiments of Apple computer. The company claims that a display actuator will serve to both display visual information and act as a mechanical input, therefore reducing the space needed to implement both components on devices such as media players. The device can possibly display visual information like text, characters and graphics. It can also take on multiple roles, such as a clickable button, sliding toggle, rotating dial, or a motion controlling device (ie. joystick).

Two of a display actuator's main functions are its compatibility to be incorporated into any electronic device to control various aspects of the electronic device, and/or as a stand alone device that operatively couples to an electronic device through wired or wireless connections.

"The display may [...] be made movable through a combination of joints such as a pivot/sliding joint, pivot/flexure joint, sliding/flexure joint [or] pivot/pivor joint in order to increase the range of motion," Apple engineers said on the display component, which could be based on LCD, OLED, Plasma or rear-projection technology.

One of its promised advantages is that conventional input means on electronic devices having displays can be substantially eliminate, since the display provides user inputs.

Memorex has revealed a new portable video player for fifth-generation iPods. Called the iFlip (not to be confused with the iPod case of the same name), the video player features an 8.4-inch LCD display, integrated speakers, a tilting iPod dock, and a lithium-ion battery. Users can watch their videos on the iFlip's built-in display or just use its speakers for music-only playback. Hmmm. If you close the iFlip, it looks kinda like an old external modem. Hah.

The iFlip (not to be confused with the computer table of the same name) has a native resolution of 480 x 234. Battery life clocks in at up to five hours of power. The unit also has S-video out, line out, and dual headphone jacks. While the iFlip (y'know what, i really wanna say "not to be confused with the portable video player of the same name" - couldn't their R&D/marketing guys have come up with a more unique name?) has its own on-screen menu system (for brightness, contrast, etc.), Memorex said that the user will still navigate music and video via the iPod. If this thing came with a remote, then I'd buy one in no time.

This baby will launch in mid-September, carrying a price tag of $200. The iFlip will be available in black or white, with an iFlip carrying case sold separately.

The delay of the video iPod is raising a lot of buzz on what the next incarnation of Apple's ever popular digital player will be. Here are some of those rumors and why Think Secret thinks they will remain likely as rumors:

Rumor: The next-gen iPod will surface as a "talking" iPod  - with voice-activated controls.
The Rumor Buster: According to Think Secret sources say yes, the talking technology is there. But no as Apple has yet to figure out how to implement it. Plus the company doesn't think a talking iPod would be a big seller.

Rumor: Apple's next iPods will be lit by organic light-emitting diode displays (OLED)
Rumor Buster: Again Think Secret sources say Apple ruled out the display technology due to the limited life-span of OLED displays. Plus OLEDs don't shine out in direct sunlight. Apple will continue to use LCD displays.

Rumor: iPod will go wireless because the MS iPod Killer (a possible rumor itself) due out by Christmas will feature Wi-Fi functionality. The rumors were so convincing the Daily Mail ran a headline announcing Apple and Microsoft's "race to launch wireless iPod".
Rumor Buster: iPods will not go Wi-Fi because it doesn't fit Apple's media player plans explained the sources. Wi-Fi will compromise battery life which is one of Apple's top priorities for its portable devices. Plus going wireless means slower transfer speeds and Apple has no plans for a music store interface that enables users to purchase and download songs on the go.

Rumor: Apple has put its iPod phone (or iPhone) development plan in deep freeze but will thaw and release it next year.
Rumor Buster: Several analyst reports have suggested that the possibility of a 2006 release for the iPhone is as cold as as ice.

Here's a little device that will definitely get your attention.

Think of an LCD projector that you would normally use for your class or office presentations, or for your own home theater to watch movies on. Now, make that projector smaller. As small as a mobile phone.

We're not pulling your leg here. There really is a device now that's portable and very useful especially for those who have mobile devices like cellphones and iPods.

The Nano-Projector from Explay is a mini projector which you can plug into your mobile devices directly. It displays the image on a screen as big as 30 inches.

The Nano-Projector's engines are made with a proprietary ASIC that binds the components used including a unique laser-based diffractive optical technology and a proprietary technology for enhancing micro-display efficiency.

The mini-projector from Explay will be released early 2007 for an as-yet-undisclosed price.

Tech guy Tom Ierna is the proud owner of an Apple eMac. When he found out that his beloved eMac's analog board was in need of replacement, and that a new one would cost a whopping $500 (and, in addition, that his machine couldn't qualify for Apple's warranty repair extension), he began to consider drastic measures.

Ierna spotted a Samsung 17" flatscreen monitor and came up with the bright idea of replacing the eMac's problematic old CRT with an LCD, which would allow him to bypass that faulty analog board and give his eMac a new lease on life. And his hard work paid off! His modded eMac's a beaut!

He's posted an illustrated procedure on his blog, which I've condensed and summarized for your viewing pleasure.

If you wanna transfer iPod files to another iPod without even touching a computer, then maybe you should take advantage of the services of Sima Products' Hitch. Pictures, Video, Audio, Documents-- name it! All can be transferred quickly and easily without being tethered to a PC the Â?old wayÂ?. Plus, it does this all without being plugged into a wall like a portable hard-drive, AND Hitch's internal battery can charge any USB charge-capable device.

So just how long would the transfer take? The company claims that Hitch can transfer a 4MB song in 5 seconds, an album with 15 songs for 80 seconds, a 2MB photo for 2.5 seconds, a 30 minute video for 3 minutes, and a 2 hour video for 12 minutes. Pretty good numbers there. Plus, Hitch will recognize and transfer files between the PSP's Memory Stick and another USB device (not games or UMD movies). Since the PSP is a multimedia player, go ahead and send that hot new song from your iPod to the PSP and listen to it everywhere.

This one will cost you $150. Aside from its capabilities, Hitch features a backlit LCD display and scroll-wheel navigation and is compliant with Digital Rights Management (DRM) copy-protection.

Apple People has always looked down on the lack of artistic finesse of PCs. Now they take it one notch higher by using the Mac as a stylish wall decor. Here, a Dell 2005FPW 20" LCD is attached to the wall using a standard wall mount. The LCD is then connected to a hidden Mac Mini. The Mac Mini is under the desk virtually unseen. The laptop, oh excuse us, the notebook on the desk is a MacBook Pro. Add a lamp that screams "chic" and voila...Techno Art! This is something Bill Gates could build when he goes on full-time retirement.