CES 2008

(Credit: Jook)

Gaming peripheral maker Razer has decided to try its hand in the social music scene with its subsidiary Jook Inc. The company has developed a new technology--aptly called Jook--that allows users of any MP3 player to share music with others in the same vicinity. It consists of two parts: a transmitter that plugs into any MP3 player (via either a 3.5mm headphone jack connection or proprietary dock based on the player) and an indicator light that hangs from down the front of the user as part of the headphone cable. A button or switch on either the transmitter or indicator will allow users to switch between three modes: Me, Us, and U. In Me mode, the indicator remains off and users listen to only their own music. Us mode let's the wearer broadcast his or her music to others with Jook enabled devices; the ambient light glows red to alert others that they may tune in. If you see another user with a glowing red light, you can switch to U mode to access that person's playlist. A green glow let's the broadcaster know you are listening.

Of course, no social music environment is complete without an online component. Users create a profile to be stored on their Jook-enabled device, and can decide to share this profile with other listeners or broadcasters. This allows them to connect later on the Web, where each person can create a page that contains as much or as little information as he or she wants to share. The site will also provide a forum for discussing music tastes and rating other Jook users' musical tastes.

One of the most compelling things about Jook is that it is inexpensive to make. The technology will be available as an add-on to MP3 players, headphones, and other portable audio devices, so users won't necessarily have to purchase a whole new player (such as a Zune) to get into the sharing pool. However, it's unclear whether Jook will ever be available as a separate device for consumers; rather, it may need to be built into headphones, given the indicator light that needs to be integrated into the whole setup.

The Zyxel DMA1100P digital media adapter

There are many devices that aim to let you share the multimedia content stuck on your PC with that large HDTV in your living room. Zyxel's DMA1100P digital media adapter is the only such device, however, that uses HomePlug AV Powerline technology to do so. (Netgear's Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter isn't certified as a HomePlug AV device, but it promises the same 200Mbps theoretical throughput as the Zyxel DMA1100.)

Still, for those looking to stream HD video and music and can't do it wirelessly--perhaps your TV and your home theater are too far apart or you simply have an aversion to wireless networking)--Powerline networking is an easy and effective way to go. Zyxel claims the DMA1100P is a snap to set up and will automatically recognize and connect to DLNA-certified devices. And unlike Netgear's adapter, Zyxel's unit features an HDMI port. The DMA1100P will be available in February for $270.

Two bands are twice as nice: the Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router WNDR3300.

(Credit: Netgear, Inc.)

Netgear has rolled out some new Draft N products, including the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router (WNDR3300). This dual-band router is based on the draft 802.11n 2.0 spec and operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, so you can avoid interference from other wireless devices in your home. It manages to cram eight internal antennas into its compact 8.8x6.0x1.2-inch body, which also includes the ubiquitous four 10/100 LAN ports. It features QoS to help prioritize voice and video packets on your network. Price is $130.

For $30 more, the new RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNR3500) trades the 5GHz band on the WNDR3300 for Gigabit Ethernet. This $160 Draft N router operates on the 2.4GHz band and features four Gigabit LAN ports.

HD/Gaming 5GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit

(Credit: Netgear, Inc.)

For streaming stutter-free HD video and lag-free wireless gaming, Netgear has the HD/Gaming 5GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit (WNHDEB111). The $230 kit features two access points--one you connect to your router and the other you hook up to your cable or set-top box or game console, letting you enjoy your media on your HDTV instead of small LCD or laptop screen. The kit works with many consumer devices, including the Xbox, the PlayStation, the Wii , the TiVo HD, the Slingbox, and the Apple TV.

Design departure: the Linksys WRT160N.

(Credit: Cisco Systems, Inc.)

Linksys added two new Draft N routers to its Ultra RangePlus line that couldn't look more different from the company's tried-and-true design. The WRT160N and the WRT310N ditch the outdated Linksys blue facing and introduce curves to case, while also doing away with those pesky antennas (these MIMO routers use internal antennas). They boast a sleek look and are priced right. The WRT160N costs $100, while the WRT310N adds Gigabit Ethernet for a reasonable $130. The two routers will also begin shipping with an updated version of the Linksys EasyLink Advisor (LELA) configuration software, which helps end users set up and manage their network, later this quarter.