Microsoft is introducing an external high-definition DVD player for the Xbox 360 video game console to match the Blu-ray disc functions of Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 3. The software maker also announced Wednesday it will launch the Xbox 360 in India this week and in Africa next week. The rollout plans come as the company tries to shore up sales ahead of the arrival later this year of next-generation machines by its two top rivals–Sony and Nintendo. The basic Xbox 360 doesn’t come with high-definition DVD capability. The new Microsoft peripheral, to be launched in Japan on November 22, is based on the HD DVD standard, a rival technology to the Blu-ray format Sony is using for the HD player built into its anxiously awaited upgrade to the PlayStation line.

Consumers needing a cell phone or accessories on the run have a new option now that Motorola has rolled out a series of what the company calls “robotic stores.” The vending machine-like stores unveiled Wednesday will carry about 30 products, initially including 12 phones and 18 accessories, said Bob Many, Motorola’s director of automated retailing. The “Instantmoto” will go into 20 malls and airports nationwide as part of a pilot program. Chicago has three outlets operating, including one in the Macy’s store downtown. The program will be expanded depending on its success, Many said.

Sprint and Research In Motion introduced the BlackBerry 8703e from Sprint with updated features, including EV-DO support and GPS capability in a sleek and light design. The BlackBerry 8703e is the latest BlackBerry handset offered by Sprint that is capable of taking advantage of broadband-like speeds provided by the Sprint Power Vision Network.

Now that Apple’s Mac computers can run a Windows XP operating system with the help of Apple’s Boot Camp utility and third-party software solutions such as Parallels Desktop for Mac, using migration software to move from an old PC to a new Mac just became a whole lot easier. Laplink’s PCmover–previously available only for PC-to-PC migrations–can now perform complete PC-to-Mac migrations, including the transfer of Windows software applications not handled by other migration tools.

MobiMate announced that Vertu has licensed WorldMate 2006 for the new Vertu Constellation, the third and latest collection of handcrafted handsets from Vertu. MobiMate crafted this special version of WorldMate to complement the Constellation’s high resolution display and added real-time flight status for over 80 of the world’s most popular airlines in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Airtel, India’s leading mobile services provider, and Research In Motion announced plans to launch the BlackBerry 7130g handset in India later this month. Working on EDGE and GPRS networks, the new BlackBerry 7130g allows users to stay connected to both work and life with support for push-based email, phone, text messaging, browser, organizer and other mobile applications. The quad-band BlackBerry 7130g comes with a powerful processor and 64 MB of flash memory, providing users a fast and responsive experience when browsing the Internet, viewing attachments or running other mobile applications.

Lexar is celebrating its 10th anniversary of developing and delivering flash memory cards for the digital photography, consumer electronics, industrial, and communications markets. Originally established in 1996, and recently acquired by Micron Technology, Lexar has developed revolutionary new technologies and marketed innovative products that have directly contributed to dramatic and sustained growth in the professional and consumer digital imaging markets.

Mac OS X users can now run Windows applications seamlessly on their desktop with 2X ApplicationServer’s Mac client. 2X ApplicationServer is available for free for up to 5 connections. Until now, Apple Macintosh users could only run Windows applications using Windows simulation software (e.g. Virtual PC). This type of software is typically difficult to configure and only works with a limited number of applications. With 2X ApplicationServer however, any Windows application can be tunneled from a Microsoft Terminal Server via RDP onto a Mac desktop.

Toshiba is recalling 340,000 laptop batteries worldwide made by Sony, the latest in a series of problems for the company. While the latest battery problem causes the laptops to sometimes run out of power, no injuries or other accidents have been reported. The defect is not directly related to the problem behind last month’s recall of Sony batteries by Dell Inc. and Apple Computer Inc., which cited concerns that the batteries could overheat and catch fire.

Although International Talk-Like-a-Pirate day is sadly over (much to the relief of Mrs. Pirate), we do have one more piratical item to show you. Until next year, arrrrrr!