Sony Launches New Vaio UMPCs

A new day and yet another Sony release. This time they have updated their UMPC line with the introduction of three new Vaio models – UX72, UX93 and UX92NS and can be configured with either Intel Core2 Solo 64 bit 1.2 GHz U2200 processor or the U2100 which is clocked at 1.06 GHz. A very significant change as compared to previous models is the inclusion of a 64 GB SSD.

The specifications that remain unchanged are the presence of 1GB RAM, 4.5-inch display (1024x600), 1.3 mega pixel webcam, fingerprint reader, 802.11a/b/g wireless, Bluetooth, 3 hour battery, and Windows Vista Premium.

The new models will ship in the middle of October.

HD DVD Might Knock Out Blu-ray

Forrester research has come up with a report claiming that HD DVD might beat Blu-ray. This is news for everyone in the world, though it's vital to read between the lines. The publication says that the two camps are "fighting what seems to be a war of attrition for consumers’ hearts and minds", but concludes that Blu-ray makers need to cut prices dramatically:

"Blu-ray needs to offer a viable hardware model at the 250 dollar price point by Christmas 2007. The camp must also stave off further studio defections, and employ more aggressive promotional tactics to counter HD DVD’s recent momentum." If the camp can’t deliver on this it risks opening up the format to a "possible upset defeat at the hands of HD DVD".

Exclusive deals of HD DVD with Paramount and Dreamworks will definitely push their champion through a few rounds. Dreamworks has announced that the HD DVD of Shrek III will become available on November 13 (in the UK).

Unique extras will include a PIP storyboard reel that branches to lost scenes and three web-enabled downloads, including Shrek’s Trivia Track, a World of Shrek movie guide, and Donkey’s Digital Coloring Book.

Such advanced functionality is not yet possible on the Blu-ray platform, giving credence to Dreamworks' assertion that creative potential was a key consideration in the decision to back Blu-ray.

But are the Forrester dudes forgetting something? Millions of people have Blu-ray in their house, in the form of the PS3. So thats a headstart, rather a full-body start.

Then of course the 150-something million deal struck by the HD DVD camp can be easily re-struck between other big studios and the Blu-ray boys. So the Red vs Blue battle goes on...