Hulu has gone social. The site added some social networking elements on Thursday that allow users to add friends, and recommend videos to each other. The site recently pulled its videos off of TV.com, and Boxee- and this might have potentially been the reason. The idea is actually a pretty good one. Theoretically now you can watch a movie on the site, and much more easily recommend it to a friend to watch as well. Interesting stuff. Do you use Hulu? Can you see yourself using the social networking aspects of it now? [via ArsTechnica]
This e-dictionary makes us wish we had trouble spelling and actually had a use for the device. The Nurian X40Knris is a pocket dictionary with a 4.3-inch LCD, QWERTY keyboard, 4GB of internal storage, and 79 (that’s right, 79) different dictionaries. The device has support for XviD, PDF, Flash, JPEG, and MP3 files and will be available soon in South Korea for around $253 US. We haven’t carried around a pocket dictionary in years, but this one makes us want to. What do you think? [via Engadget]
Kilpsch has released two hot new headphone models, the S2 and S4. The oval-shaped ear tips have a moving coil design with coil dampening, and the S4 rocks a “hot rod” dual magnet motor and comes bundled with a crush-resistant aluminum case and a cleaning tool. S2 owners only get a basic cloth case with the earbuds. The S4 is expected to be released in April for $79 with the S2 following in July for $49. What are your favorite earbuds? Would you consider picking these up? [via Engadget]
Apple’s newest iPod shuffle doesn’t just play your tunes, it also talks to you. The device has a new “VoiceOver” function that will tell you the name of the song you’re listening to as well as the artist name. You can also get it to read you what tracks are coming up in your playlist (since the shuffle doesn’t have a display screen). The 4GB music player is so small now that all its controls are located in the earbud cord (which will definitely create an issue if you like to rock other headphones or lose yours). At $80, the player is pretty reasonably priced; we’re definitely thinking about picking one up- what do you think about the new shuffles? [via Wired]
If you’re in the market for a portable DVD player, then have we got the player for you. Philips new DCP951/37 not only plays back all your DVDs, but it also has a retractable iPod dock. The device is compatible with the iPod Touch, iPod Nano, and iPod Classic and can play back any tunes of videos you might have stored on the device on its 640×220 resolution screen. The device also has an SD card slot, so you can play back other things that you might have stored on a disc or your iPod. The device is available now, and at just $139.98, it’s a pretty decent bargain. [via SlipperyBrick]
If you’re looking for an iPod speaker system for your girlfriend or child, this one might be a winner. This cute and cuddly teddy bear is actually an iPod speaker system in disguise. The system in concealed in the plush bear (so you don’t see ugly speakers) and you can connect your iPod to it via a USB cord, much like when you connect your phone to your computer. The bear runs on batteries (that hopefully aren’t charging your iPod) and runs $38, which could make it a reasonably affordable gift option. What animals would you like to see a speaker system built in? We’re thinking a dragon or snake option might be pretty cool. [via DVICE]
Many online music streaming sites have been forced to shut down in recent months because of their inability to pay high licensing fees. One music player has come up with a way around all the fees, bu simple streaming tunes that are already uploaded to YouTube. Music streaming site Muziic (which was created by a 15-year-old by the way) takes music uploaded by record companies as well as users and allows you to stream it through their player just as if it was anywhere else. The player, which focuses on streaming music off YouTube is certainly an interesting concept.. In addition to allowing you to stream music, it also gives you the ability to upload music easily through its interface to YouTube to share with other users. Napster Part 2 anyone? [via ArsTechnica]
While most cell phones are just imitations of themselves, one company is taking it to the next level, and designing their phone to look like a building. The SBNP-N90 cell phone is inspired by the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. Unfortunately looks are the only thing this handset has going for it. While details are scarce we know that the handset is just a GSM and has only a 1.3-megapixel camera. Lame. What other buildings in the world do you think would make good cell phone designs? [via SlipperyBrick]
If you’ve been thinking about purchasing an e-reader- check out the BeBook 2. The reader has Wi-Fi and/or integrated 3G connectivity, touchscreen navigation, and supports he ePub format. The reader is a bit updated from its original version and now has Kindle-like page-turn buttons on the front left and right and an uncovered headphone and mini-USB port for easier access. eReaders in all shapes and sizes are certainly filling the market these days. What do you think about EReaders? Would you rather read electronically than with a paper book? [via SlashGear]
