London : Italian fashion house Gucci will launch a children’s line in June. The first range will be unveiled in Italy and then hit around 40 stores worldwide.

Frida Giannini is the creative director of children wear. She is currently in Singapore where she announced her future plans and was honoured to have an orchid named after her, the Paravanda Frida.

“It was very touching and I loved the thought that the orchid will still be there a few hundred years from now. I have never experienced such an honour before,” femalefirst.co.uk quoted her as saying.

London:  Britain’s second largest supermarket chain, Asda, has launched a line of Indian clothing in the first such move by a high street retailer in the country.

The 13-piece collection, including sequined embellished salwaar kameez, churidar, kurta and dupatta, is being launched to coincide with the start of Eid festivities.

Part of the George line, the clothes have been designed with a team in India, and are made using authentic Indian materials. The store also received inputs from a panel of customers.

Priced at between seven and 26 pounds, the clothes are suitable for all customers, not just South Asians, George brand director Fiona Lambert said.

“We are extremely proud to be launching UK’s first mainstream range of traditional Asian clothing. We have the broadest socio-demographic group of all the supermarkets and we wanted to offer affordable clothing suitable for all our customers,” Lambert said.

The Indian clothes are to be rolled out in 21 Asda stores in Britain.

Brianna Ragel, editor of Asian Woman magazine, said: “This definitely marks a turning point for ethnic clothing on high street.”

Wal-Mart, Asda’s US parent company, launched a Bollywood-inspired collection in Canada earlier this year.

Atlanta :Offering diverse integration options for custom installers, LG Electronics is highlighting its first-ever series of wireless LCD HDTVs, including an LED model, this week at the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) EXPO 2009 .

Whether it’s design, technology or screen size, LG’s wireless HDTVs have something for everyone, according to Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing, LG Electronics USA, Inc. LG’s 55-inch class* Slim Wireless LED-Backlight HDTV (model 55LHX) combines advanced technology with cutting-edge style for a TV that blends beautifully into any home environment. For those seeking a variety of design options, LG’s LH85 series of wireless LCD HDTVs will be available in 47- and 55-inch class* sizes. 

“As custom installers look to create a truly unique space, the wireless capability found in the 55LHX and LH85 models allow the freedom to place the HDTV anywhere in the room,” said Reiner. “With wireless HDTVs, LG continues to expand home entertainment design and placement options to meet consumers’ ever evolving needs.”
 
Entertainment Freedom :

Both 55LHX and LH85 wireless models allow installers the freedom to place the HDTV virtually anywhere in the room – without messy wires. To achieve this wireless experience, LG uses a supplied media box to transmit an uncompressed Full HD 1080p signal with virtually no interference or delay directly to the TV. The HDTVs can receive a wireless signal up to 30 feet away, allowing consumers to hook all content sources (such as a cable or satellite box, Blu-ray disc player, game console and home theater systems) into one box.
 

Enhanced Picture Quality :

The 55-inch LHX model features superior picture quality with an elegant ultra-slim design – less than one-inch thick at its thinnest point. This unit has attained THX Display Certification. This certification ensures that the 55LHX delivers exceptional images, bringing a more immersive and enjoyable movie, broadcast and video game experience to consumers’ living room. Since THX certification begins during the initial product design phase, every product detail is meticulously mapped to THX standards and tested in laboratory and home theater environments to ensure quality, usability and compatibility.

By presenting HD and standard-definition content at the maximum resolution with the correct color and luminance level, the LHX provides consumers a crisper, clearer image. To achieve this, LG uses a full-array LED backlighting system with local dimming technology, for precise picture control resulting in deeper blacks, wide color gamut and an incredible 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. This model also incorporates TruMotion 240Hz technology for smooth motion during fast-action scenes. 

LG’s LH85 series delivers an 80,000:1 contrast ratio for deeper blacks and greater picture detail. Additionally, the LH85 series features LG’s 24p Real Cinema technology that allows consumers to enjoy a true cinematic experience at home, the way the movie was intended to be seen. For those that want more from their HDTV, the LH85 also includes USB 2.0 functionality allowing easy access to MP3 files and viewing of JPEG photos for a more enjoyable TV viewing experience. 

ISFccc Calibration Options :

Those seeking advanced calibration based on their own home theater environment, will appreciate LG’s ISFccc option on both the 55LHX and LH85 series.  The professional ISF calibration helps to deliver picture quality, representing what filmmakers intended viewers to see.  

Using the LG Expert Mode, an ISF-certified calibration technician will use professional equipment to calibrate the HDTV using ISF parameters based upon individual home theater environments and ambient lighting. Once calibrated to the optimal setting, the calibrations are saved as ISF “Day” and ISF “Night” modes.  With ISFccc, LG offers a superior 10-point calibration.  This provides an extra level of precision for gray scale calibration resulting in a more uniform picture.
 

Energy Savings :

With Intelligent Sensor, both wireless models automatically optimize the picture to the lighting conditions in the room for a personalized and more enjoyable viewing experience; and potential energy savings. Both the LHX and LH85 series are Energy Star 3.0 compliant, and with LG’s “Smart Energy Saving” package, which consists of features such as backlight control options and video mute, LG further paves the way toward greater energy savings, while also allowing consumers to customize their viewing experience.
 

The 55LHX will be available soon at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4,799 and the LH85 series will be available later this Fall in 55- and 47-inch class screen sizes with MSRPs of $3,199 and $2,399, respectively.

Durex has introduced a new product, Avanti Bare, a new polyisoprene, non-latex, barely-there condom.

Avanti (lubricated) The first polyurethane condom. is now a new and improved Polyisoprene condom. The Durex Avanti bare is a revolutionary advancement in condom technology. Made out of polyisoprene, so It’s perfect for latex sensitive users. Specially shaped for a more comfortable fit. These new condoms are Soft as Skin.

Next-To-Nothing Feel – Made from synthetic polyisoprene this soft as skin polymer is more natural feeling than polyurethane. Suitable for latex-sensitive users. Durex Avanti Bare is a revolutionary advancement in condom technology.

This product is suitable for natural rubber latex sensitive users and is as soft -as-skin polymer for an exceptional natural feel. Avanti Bare is ofter and better feeling than polyurethane and is specially shaped to be easy to put on and more comfortable to wear.

“Durex Avanti Bare not only picks up where the old Avanti left off, it goes even further to provide the ultimate in protection and performance. The new Avanti is considerably softer and more comfortable to use than its popular predecessor. Ease of application has been improved and the smart elasticity ensures a well tailored fit every time. The high tech material of Avanti Bare is thinner than any latex condom available today and is well suited for those with latex allergies. Some people who are sensitive to natural rubber latex may also have a sensitivity to these condoms,” says a company spokesperson.

Avanti Bare 6 -pack is priced at $ 6.95 .

Sony has announced the launch of Reader Pocket Edition and the Reader Touch Edition . Both the  readers will be available at the end of August, at SonyStyle.com, SonyStyle stores and select retail partners.

Reader Pocket Edition puts a library in your hands for as little as $199. Also, new releases and New York Times bestseller titles in the eBook Store from Sony will now be available for $9.99.

“We firmly believe consumers should have choice in every aspect of their digital reading experience,” said Steve Haber, president of Sony’s Digital Reading Business Division. “Our goal is to expand the market and provide greater access to what consumers want to read when they want to read it – whether they buy, borrow or get it for free.”

The Reader Pocket Edition sports a five-inch electronic paper display packaged in a stylish chassis and is available in a variety of colors, including navy blue, rose and silver. The Reader Pocket Edition is easy to navigate with one hand, and fits into a purse or jacket pocket. The diminutive device can store about 350 standard eBooks and provides up to two weeks of reading enjoyment on a single battery charge. It will be available for the ground-breaking price of $199, making it the most affordable dedicated reading device on the market.

The Reader Touch Edition features a responsive, menu-driven six-inch touch screen panel that enables quick, intuitive navigation, page turning, highlighting and note taking with the swipe of a finger or by using the included stylus pen. Users can take handwritten notes with the stylus pen or type with the virtual keyboard. All notes can be exported and printed out for easy reference. The Reader Touch Edition includes an onboard Oxford American English Dictionary that allows you to look up a word by simply tapping on it. The Touch Edition also offers five adjustable font sizes, as well as expansion slots for both Memory Stick(R) PRO Duo(TM) and SD card, making your portable library virtually limitless. It comes in red, black or silver and will retail for about $299.

Both models feature Sony’s award-winning industrial design and an E Ink(R) Vizplex(TM) electronic paper display that mimics the look of ink on paper. They will ship with an attractive protective sleeve and USB cable. Sony’s eBook Library software 3.0, which now includes support for many Apple(R) Macintosh(R) computers as well as PCs, makes it easy to transfer and read any Adobe(R) PDF (with reflow capability), Microsoft(R) Word(R), BBeB(R) files, or other text file formats on the Reader.

Through The eBook Store from Sony , users can also access more than one million free public domain books from Google. These titles, which Google has digitized as part of its Google Books project, are available in EPUB format and are optimized for current models of the Sony Reader. From Sony’s eBook Store, Reader owners with a U.S. location can download and transfer any of these titles to their Reader, while new, U.S. located eBook Store users can access available titles after setting up an account and downloading Sony’s free eBook Library software.

Sony is also committed to working with local libraries throughout the country as they make the move to digital books. Sony Readers are compatible with the industry-standard formats that libraries use for their digital collections, so consumers can easily download perennial favorites and new releases from their local libraries and enjoy them for free.

The Reader Pocket Edition and Reader Touch Edition, as well as available accessories such as AC adaptors, cases and covers with reading lights, will be available at the end of August at SonyStyle.com and SonyStyle stores. Book lovers interested in trying out a Reader in person will also be able to find them for sale at Best Buy, Borders, Costco, Staples, Target, Wal-Mart and other authorized retailers nationwide.

Consumer Reports’ latest tests of 21 freezers in the September issue revealed that the Haier HUF138EA, $750, used much more energy than any other freezer in the publication’s energy tests. In these tests, CR’s engineers expect freezers, on average, to use 17 percent more energy compared with their yellow EnergyGuide labels. The Haier used 70 percent more both when it was full and empty.

Based on the two samples tested, CR’s engineers believe the Haier should not qualify for Energy Star, the voluntary federal labeling program that identifies energy-efficient products. CR also believes it exceeds the Department of Energy’s allowed energy use for that type of freezer. The Haier also didn’t reach 0 degrees F in CR’s energy test. Therefore, Consumer Reports rated the model a “Don’t Buy: Performance Problem.”

Consumer Reports’ own tests of energy use have the center of the freezer at 0 degrees F, the optimum temperature for storing frozen food. Manufacturers are allowed to report energy use at 0 degrees F, based on test results that can be above and below 0 degrees F. In CR’s tests, the freezers were filled to capacity. In the Department of Energy test, freezers are 75 percent full. CR’s tests and the DOE’s tests use 90 degrees F room temperatures.

The DOE relies on manufacturers’ test data. Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, believes the DOE should require independent verification of test results.

“If you’re looking to purchase a freezer, Consumer Reports found several models — both upright and chests — that offer fine temperature performance and good energy efficiency,” said Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, deputy home editor, Consumer Reports.

The Whirlpool EV209NBT, upright, self-defrosting freezer, $800, topped CR’s ratings. Among self-defrosting upright freezers, the Whirlpool EV161NZR, $600 was a CR Best Buy. Among manual defrost chest freezers, the Kenmore 1654, $400, was a CR Best Buy, and the Frigidaire FFC0723D[W], $250, was a Recommended model.

LG Electronics has announced that it will introduce broadband HDTVs with the instant-access high-definition (HD) movie service from VUDU Inc., a leading provider of digital on-demand entertainment services.  VUDU on-demand movies will be available on LG’s LH50 1080p LCD series and PS80 Plasma 1080p series with “NetCast Entertainment Access,” beginning next month.

“Our alliance with VUDU further demonstrates LG’s commitment to delivering the ultimate HD viewing experience, by providing instant access to more 1080p movie content than ever before,” said Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing and strategy, LG Electronics USA. “VUDU highlights the superb video quality of our ‘Full HD’ sets with NetCast Entertainment Access, while providing consumers with access to thousands of HD movies with the touch of a button.”

The VUDU service allows consumers to instantly buy or rent from an extensive library of movies and TV titles, including catalog of more than 2,000 high-definition movies – with no monthly fees and without having to buy, install, or connect any additional hardware. Consumers will enjoy movies in VUDU’s unique HDX format, with Full HD 1080p resolution, plus Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. 

VUDU’s streaming movie service delivers a near-instant viewing experience – movies start immediately, including high definition HDX movies, and viewers can fast forward, rewind and browse chapters without the delays or the frustration associated with slow buffering. The VUDU catalog is updated weekly, and newly released movies from major studios are typically available months before they are available on subscription-based services.

“Together, LG’s Broadband HDTVs and the VUDU service will set the industry standard for easy access to on-demand HD movies,” said Alain Rossmann, CEO of VUDU. “VUDU is blazingly fast on LG’s Broadband HDTVs and makes discovering and watching new HD movies a truly exciting and fun user experience. With this alliance, VUDU is raising the bar on delivering Hollywood movies to this new class of Smart TVs.”

With LG’s NetCast Entertainment Access, consumers have instant access to millions of streaming movies, TV shows and web videos through an Ethernet connection. These models, ranging in screen size from 42- to 60-inch class sizes, also include access to content from Netflix, Yahoo! Widgets, YouTube and more. With this enhanced connectivity, LG’s Broadband HDTVs transform and personalize the home theater experience by offering a virtually endless array of entertainment options. 

LG’s 47-inch class LCD HDTV (model 47LH50) and 50-inch class plasma HDTV (model 50PS80) with NetCast Entertainment Access are available now at national retailers ( USA) with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,699 and $1,799. LG’s 42-inch class LCD (model 42LH50) and 60-inch class plasma (model 60PS80) will be available and existing LG Broadband TV owners will be able to add the VUDU service next month.

Toshiba , a market leader in LCD TVs, has announced the latest addition to its comprehensive 2009 LCD TV/DVD combination lineup, reinforcing its authority in this growing product category. The glamorous new Stainless Style model continues the Toshiba advantage of an all-in-one entertainment ensemble combining style and innovation with picture excellence, with the look of stainless steel for today’s kitchen.

“Toshiba is truly a powerhouse and market leader in the LCD TV/DVD combination category. Our proven success is driven by our passion to create quality, high-definition TVs for every room of the home,” said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Digital A/V Group. “We wanted to provide consumers with a TV that could coordinate perfectly with a kitchen’s decor. Design innovation is an integral part of Toshiba’s history and our new Stainless Style(TM) TV is the latest example of our leadership in this area.”

Toshiba’s Stainless Style: Entertainment and Design Meet Today’s Kitchen

Toshiba’s new Stainless Style LCD TV combination compliments stainless steel kitchen appliances, keeping the kitchen layout sophisticated and harmonized. The Stainless Style TV combines Toshiba’s industry-leading image and sound quality with one-of-a-kind designs, creating an ideal environment for entertaining right in the heart of the home. Featuring the added convenience of a built-in DVD player, this stylish model offers a complete entertainment experience right from the kitchen counter.

Incorporated within this stunning design is a 16:9 widescreen high-definition LCD display. Connectivity is also a plus in the combination units. The sets are complete with both HDMI(TM) and PC inputs allowing the TVs to be used in conjunction with a computer, and support gaming and receiving HD broadcasts. In addition, all Toshiba LCD TV combination models are ENERGY STAR(R) compliant.

The Stainless Style TV is available in a 19-inch screen size (measured diagonally at 18.5 inches). Stainless Style TV Series 19LV612U (available September 2009, MSRP $ 349.99).

Mahindra Automotive Australia (MAA), a Joint Venture between Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), one of India’s leading auto brands and TMI Pacific, today launched its Next Generation Mahindra Pik-Up utility vehicle with additional safety features, numerous interior enhancements and a fresh new look.
M&M entered the Australian market two years ago with the launch of the Mahindra Pik-Up which was distributed by TMI Pacific (a division of the Tynan Motor Group). Mahindra vehicles are now imported and distributed by the JV company, Mahindra Automotive Australia. The amalgamation, which took place in late 2008, has strengthened the growth and distribution of Mahindra vehicles in Australia.

Having proven itself under the toughest of Australian conditions, the Mahindra brand has garnered a strong consumer following and advocacy over the past two years in the market. Coupled with its 4×4 capabilities, the latest Pik-Up will be marketed under a new campaign headline ‘Made for the hardest places on Earth’. The single, dual cab, or cab chassis 4×4 or 4×2 variants will be available to Australian buyers from August.

Mr. Pravin Shah, Director of Mahindra Automotive Australia & Executive Vice President, International Operations, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) Ltd., said, “Mahindra has carved a distinct niche for itself in markets across the globe with its value proposition of rugged utility and style at an affordable price. With its trendy new look and attractive features, the Next Generation Pik-Up is no exception and demonstrates our commitment to growing our brand further in the Australian market, which is of strategic importance to us.

Today, M&M is the leader in the utility vehicle segment in India with a rich manufacturing heritage spanning more than 60 years. Over the years, Mahindra has built an enduring 4×4 legacy and has become the byword for performance and reliability in India and the world. Although the Mahindra brand is in its infancy in Australia, it is a federation of companies with interests in manufacturing, finance, information technology and hospitality, amongst other industries. It is one of India’s leading companies, well positioned to support a market such as Australia.”

A Director of Mahindra Automotive Australia (MAA) and Chairman of TMI Pacific, Michael Tynan, said, “We’re pleased with the way our plans for Mahindra have rolled out since launch. We have offered good value to consumers, sponsored quintessentially Australian events, promoted cleverly and, best of all, grown a group of loyal and happy customers.

We’re very proud to be introducing the next generation model which now further addresses the needs of Australian workhorse buyers. We’re dedicated to listening to their requirements and thus, elevated safety, driver convenience and visual appeal were areas addressed to satisfy our customers. We believe that drivers will be extremely pleased with the results and the Pik-Up will deliver even better value for money in the workhorse utility market segment.”
 
Ms. Claire Tynan, Mahindra Automotive Australia’s CEO, said “We are continuously impressed with Mahindra’s commitment to manufacturing high quality offerings and to developing their international markets. Its rich 4×4 heritage which has been built over several decades has proved that it can perform on tough terrain in countries across the globe including India, Italy, Brazil, Chile, South Africa and now Australia where it is steadily gaining a large following.”

The Next Generation Mahindra Pik-Up boasts updated interiors with ergonomically designed seats, which have been designed after meticulous ‘Body Pressure Mapping’. Longer seatbelts, new dual-tone, electronically powered ORVMs (outer rear vision mirrors), and a 2-Din audio containing a stereo system with full CD / MP3 player and radio, USB and SD card port provide maximum convenience and comfort. The hand brake and gear lever have a new smart, sporty look.

Enhancing the vehicle’s distinctive look is a new grille, with a characteristic silver centre piece that features the brand’s logo. The road armour wrap-around bumpers provide the Next Generation Mahindra Pik Up with an updated and muscular appearance, and the striking new bonnet scoop adds grunt to the vehicle’s aggressive bearing. Sports headlights, fog lamps and ‘pull type’ door handles provide additional curves and muscle to the new design. The Next Generation Mahindra Pik Up is now available in an attractive new shade, Toreador Red, which will appeal even more to tradies and sportspeople who switch to ‘weekend warriors’ in their leisure time.

The load tray dimensions of a 1.725 m3 of double-walled tray for the single cab, and 1.125m3 for the dual cab still provides class-leading cargo capacity. The vehicle is  based on the same platform as its predecessor with a 2.51 common rail turbo diesel engine producing 79kW / 106hp at 3800rpm and 247Nm of torque from 1800 to 2200 rpm. The five speed manual transmission continues.

A Preferred Service Network is soon to be introduced so owners can venture further afield, secure in the knowledge that adequate back-up is available.

Olympus has announced the launch of  tantalizingly stylish STYLUS-7010 , 12 Megapixels, Dual Image Stabilization, Auto-Focus Tracking and In-Camera Magic Filters Offer Unparalleled Creative Expression in a Point-and-Shoot Camera .

An extremely slim body houses an amazing wide-angle 7x optical zoom, making this camera one of the most powerful Stylus cameras ever. Sitting in the upper levels at your favorite concert? Your friends will never know the truth when they see the images you shot with the STYLUS-7010!

Style meets substance with 12 megapixels for detailed images, Dual Image Stabilization to reduce blur, AF Tracking to keep subjects sharp when in motion, Intelligent Auto to make all the decisions for you, In-Camera Panorama to create a super-wide composition, and the creative freedom of in-camera Magic Filters that turn a basic shot into something worthy of hanging on the wall.

The STYLUS-7010 is available in dark gray, silver and pink. The new camera offers a unique set of features, including : ultra-compact 7x optical wide-angle zoom (28mm-196mm equivalent in 35mm photography) retracts to less than one inch thick to keep the STYLUS-7010 thin;  a big and bright 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD screen makes it easy to view images even in bright sunlight; The TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds; and A 12-Megapixel image sensor enables consumers to achieve consistently sharp and vivid images when producing large-format prints or enlarging a portion of an image.

The STYLUS-7010 combines two technologies – mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization – to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images whether the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus’ mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the image sensor to compensate for camera movement, which often occurs in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject.

The new AF Tracking technology locks your subject in focus, and continuously adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject are moving. This mode can remember the subject if it moves out of the frame. This enables you to keep fast-moving and unpredictable subjects like small children in focus for the perfect shot. There’s even a specially designed AF Tracking “Pet Mode” for animal lovers.

In-camera Creative Features recently debuted on Olympus E-System DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras. Similar in-camera Magic Filters have been developed for the new STYLUS-7010. The new Magic Filters enable the user to enhance and customize images as they’re being captured. This translates into more fun and flexibility as customization is no longer limited to using expensive and time-consuming computer software. The new Magic Filters include:

The STYLUS-7010 will be available in August 2009. It will also include: a wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, MASD-1 (microSD Adapter), CD-ROM manual, warranty card and OLYMPUS Master 2 software (CD-ROM). Stylus-7010 Estimated Street Price: $199.99