Weekly high-tech product releases: eco phones, 18k gold device, Android-powered gaming device

High-tech product releases announced the week of December 16 include the first Android-powered gaming device for developers, Magico's luxury speakers, a wireless speaker system, a phone encased in gold and two environmentally friendly phones.

Android-powered gaming device for developers
The ODROID is a handheld gaming console produced by Korean manufacturing company Hardkernal. The Developer edition is geared towards those interested in creating games and content for future ODROID users and comes equipped with a debug board, full schematics, source code and access to the ODROID developer community. Technical specs include Samsung S5PC100 833MHz ARM's Cortex-A8 with NEON multimedia accelerator, 720P HDMI video output, dual memory cards, and 512Mb of memory. The ODROID also comes with an extra battery, access to fast web browsing, email and social networking through a WiFi connection and can play music thanks to a wide range of music applications available from the Android Market. The ODROID Developer edition is priced at $349 and can be purchased from www.hardkernel.com/store.html. A full release version is expected to be released in the near future.

Luxury speakers with a $54,000 price tag
If the $54,000 price tag doesn't blow you away, the sound produced by Magico's Q5 speakers certainly will. The Magico Q5 is a 5-driver, 4-way speaker system with a frequency response of between 26 Hz to 50 KHz. The speakers come encased in hard-anodized designer-worthy aluminium and brass housings. Magico's Q5 speakers will sell for a jaw-dropping $54,000 and will start shipping in the first quarter of 2010.

The world's first dual wireless soundbar speaker system
JVC's TH-BA3 is the world's first dual wireless soundbar system. The system is a powerful 280-watt, 5.1-channel surround sound system. It comes with a wireless subwoofer and rear speaker kit that includes left and right channel wireless speakers for a full 5.1 surround sound experience. The wireless TH-BA3 surround sound system will be priced at $549.95 and will be released in December.

18-carat Gold phone
Nokia has updated its 6700 classic phone with an entirely Gold Edition. The 18-carat gold-plated luxury version of the phone is sold with either a natural leather carrying case and strap or an 8GB microSD card. Like the 6700, the phone comes with a 5 megapixel camera, GPS and Nokia Maps. The 6700 Gold Edition will start selling in selected markets during the first quarter of 2010 and is expected to cost €370 before taxes and subsidies.

Technology driven eco-phone
Sony Ericsson released two eco-phones on December 14. The Elm phone falls under the banner of Sony's GreenHeart portfolio and has been created using recycled plastics and environmentally friendly products free from any hazardous chemicals. The Elm is sold with a low power consumption charger and comes with a digital user manual to save paper. The phone may be eco-friendly but it doesn't cut back on technology. It is shipped with a 5 megapixel auto focus camera, has WiFi connectivity, GPS and can be used for social networking. The Elm will be available from Q2 2010.

Feature-rich green phone
The Elm's little sister, the Hazel, was the second eco-friendly phone released by Sony Ericsson on December 14. Sony Ericsson's Hazel weighs in at 120g and comes with a 2.6 inch 16M colour display. The Elm and the Hazel sport similar technical specs with a 5 megapixel camera, WiFi connectivity, GPS and social networking features. The Sony Ericsson Hazel phone will start shipping in the first quarter of 2010.