Dans Tech Reviews

QuickOffice shows off version for Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablets

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:40:00 +0000

We continue to be impressed by the functionality and the grace by which Google's latest version of the Android OS offers. This new tablet specific version of the ultra-popular mobile OS will be debuting this month on a handful of tablet devices and many more later this year.

QuickOffice has been making top-notch productivity apps for smartphones for quite some time, and now the company has unveiled a new version for Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablets. As is the case with its apps for other platforms (including iOS and webOS), the new tablet version features Google Docs, Dropbox, MobileMe, and SugarSync integration and offers on-the-go editing of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. QuickOffice is fully Microsoft Office compatible, of course.

To see QuickOffice for Android Honeycomb in action, take the jump and check out the hands-on video from the folks at Laptop Mag. Those of you on the Apple side of the tablet war can currently pick up QuickOffice for about $15 -- which is a good deal on a great app suite.

Updated Google Voice App Gets Faster Dialing

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:59:00 +0000

Google has updated to its Android and BlackBerry Google Voice app and is promising faster phone call connection times. According to Google, “Our mantra is faster = better.” Here is how the updated clients will expedite calls:

Until today, the Google Voice app had to make a request to the Google Voice server every time you wanted to make a call to send us the phone number you wanted to dial. Then the call would be connected via a Google Voice access number. With direct access numbers, we assign a unique phone number to every person you call. This means that we no longer need to use your data network to access the server each time you make a call, so calls will be placed much faster.

Full Press Release:

Faster dialing with Google Voice on Android and Blackberry devices
Thursday, July 22, 2010

At Google we are obsessed with speed. Our mantra is faster = better. This is true for our Google Voice mobile apps as well. When you want to make a call, your phone should connect you as quickly as possible, whether you’re calling via Google Voice or not.

Today we are launching an enhancement to the Google Voice mobile app on Android and Blackberry phones, which makes placing calls much faster. We call this feature “direct access numbers.” Here’s how it works:

Until today, the Google Voice app had to make a request to the Google Voice server every time you wanted to make a call to send us the phone number you wanted to dial. Then the call would be connected via a Google Voice access number. With direct access numbers, we assign a unique phone number to every person you call. This means that we no longer need to use your data network to access the server each time you make a call, so calls will be placed much faster.

The updated Android app is available from Android Market starting today. For Blackberry users, you can download the app by visiting http://m.google.com/voice from your mobile device. You will need a valid Google Voice account to use the app, and at this time, Google Voice is available in the US only.

HTC Evo on Sprint Now Available for Pre Order

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:52:00 +0000

Best Buy once again has beat everyone to the punch in offering a pre-order on the game changing HTC Evo on Sprint. This newest addition to Android phones will sport the same snapdragon processor as the Nexus One and the HTC Droid Incredible but have a larger 4.1" screen, front facing camera, 4G WiMax Technology and support a WiFi hotspot. We call this the first of the next generation Android and smartphones. Look for this level of functionality to be standard on all cutting edge smartphones next year.

Skype to Halt Development for Windows Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:45:00 +0000

Skype is reportedly halting development for the upcoming Windows Phone 7 platform and is instead focusing its efforts on the Android, iPhone and Symbian OS. Speaking at an event in Australia, Dan Neary, the Asia Pacific Vice President for Skype, confirmed that the VoIP software giant is not currently developing a version of its popular software for the Windows Phone 7 platform. This revelation comes close on the heels of Skype’s removal of its Windows Mobile version due to the product’s less than stellar UI and poor user experience. Neary failed to provide a reason for Skype’s dismissal of Windows Phone 7 but the decision could stem from WP7’s lack of native code and its tight integration with XNA and Silverlight for development. It also doesn’t help that Windows Phone 7 is a new and untested platform. Regardless of the reason, heavy Skype users looking to jump to Windows Phone 7 may be wise to wait for Skype to change its mind or for some savvy third party developer to pick up the slack.

Finding the Right Broadband Service

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:26:00 +0000

In the UK, the election is just around the corner and for the past few months the proposed Digital Economy Bill has been covered countlessly in news stories all over the country, informing people of what it will mean for them to have fully accessible, high-speed broadband, for both work and pleasure.

With all of the press bringing broadband to the forefront of everyday news, more and more people are feeling the pressure to switch to a new provider in order to get the best deal and the best value for money.

There are many ways to go about doing this, but as most us know, the best deals are online. By using a specialist broadband price comparison site you can compare hundreds of deals from all of the big providers, according to your needs (whether that is speed, monthly cost, download limit, etc).

One good broadband comparison site for this is Top10.com/broadband/, which not only provides deals from big name providers and compares them in an easy to digest way, but it also has up to date news and guides sections to further inform visitors on all things broadband related.

Compare broadband deals at Top10.com.

Skype Going Exclusive to Verizon Wireless?

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:37:00 +0000

If you have been listening to the Skype buzz lately you have heard that Skype and Verizon Wireless have announced a new partnership. This new partnership allows Verizon to be the exclusive provider of Skype calls over their 3G wireless network. Up until this point, there hasn't been much out there in terms of support for this, but demand has been strong!

Windows Mobile OS platform phones have had a Skype Lite app that allowed Skype users to place Skype to Skype calls as well as land line calls over their Windows Mobile smartphones with data plans. iPhone users have been begging for this ability for quite a while but will they get it?

Skype just announced today that they will be discontinuing support for the Windows Mobile platform. We can only speculate but I would say an announcement for the iPhone is coming soon too. It sounds like big red has managed to secure a tighter relationship that we thought. This might mean that only VZW phones will have access to what could be a game changer... VOIP on our cell phones.

Can Windows 7 Phones Compete?

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:21:00 +0000

You can say that it has been the decade of smart phones. The past 3 years have been absolutely revolutionary in terms of smart phone technology and capability. Today we have heavy competitors that deliver amazing functionality and performance from Apple (iPhone), Palm, Nokia (Symbian), RIM (Blackberry) and the newest to the field that is pushing the envelope even further... Google (Android OS). Notice one missing? You guessed it, the company that arguably started the smart phone business is hardly a serious competitor anymore... Microsoft with their Windows Mobile platform.

Microsoft’s newest available release of Windows Mobile (now called Windows Phone) is 6.5 and still looks, feels and operates like Windows XP crammed into the lightweight hardware of smart phones. Performance aside (which is terrible), the user interface is not designed properly for what most smart phones users like to user as the primary interface… touch. Windows Mobile 6.5 phones were really designed to be used with a stylus.

Well Microsoft isn’t a company known to roll over and play dead. Enter Windows 7 Series phones. Microsoft announced this OS build and hardware just a few weeks ago. I must say, it looks great! I am impressed. Here’s the problem, it is too late. It would have been too late if Steve Balmer was handing out released, ready for production handsets to press member at the mobile conference in Spain but no. The official release date for this device and OS is holidays 2010. Any “cutting edge” features included in this new Windows Mobile release would easily be swallowed up by the rabid pace of development and version/build release of Android and even Apples iPhone OS.

Plantronics Pulsar 590 stereo Bluetooth headset Review

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:27:00 +0000

It looks like Bluetooth stereo headsets are finally joining the mainstream. Plantronics came out the $150 Pulsar 590, a combo unit that works as both a phone headset and a stereo headset for audio players. The Pulsar includes a telescoping mic, which can be minimized when you're just using it for music. Another thing we like: the universal Bluetooth adaptor is an optional add-on, which means if you've already paid for Bluetooth devices, you don't have to pay again for a dongle you don't need.

Available with a universal Bluetooth audio adapter, the Pulsar 590 provides immediate wireless compatibility for any device with a headphone jack, such as laptops, home stereos, MP3 players, including Apple iPods, and multimedia devices, such as Sony PSP.

The Pulsar 590 uses multipoint technology to function as both a stereo headset for high fidelity listening, as well as a communications headset for use with mobile phones and other voice-enabled devices. The headset includes a telescopic voice tube with an omni-directional microphone for clear voice communications.

With 10m (33 feet) range, it enables users to listen to music or have conversations away from their laptop, music device or mobile phone. The Pulsar 590 provides up to 12 hours of talk time and 10 hours of listen time.

The device has a familiar headband wearing style with pivoting ear cushions that provide all-day wearing comfort. The portable, lightweight headset features a foldable design for compact charging and travel storage and ships with a full range of accessories, including a desktop charging stand, AC charger, USB charging cable, in-flight cable and travel case. The in-flight cable allows the headset to be used with the Bluetooth radio disabled, a requirement for most airline travel.

The headset can be purchased with the universal Bluetooth adapter for devices that don't have Bluetooth stereo capabilities.

Computers, media and mobile phone devices compatible with the new Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, or A2DP, don't require the universal adapter to experience stereo sound.

plantronics headsets

Woman Loses 112 Pounds by Using Wii Fit

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:18:00 +0000

When Wii Fit first launched, a lot of people rushed out to buy it thinking that it would solve all their fitness problems. Unfortunately, for a lot of people, the Nintendo Wii peripheral didn't change a thing.

However, one woman in the UK has proved that if you combine your Wii Fit work-outs with a balanced and healthy diet, the device can be just as beneficial as real yoga classes and regular trips to the gym.

The News of the World reports that Lara Roberts, a wife and mother of two, managed to drop eight stone or 112 pounds by eating healthy and using Wii Fit every morning. The 38-year-old woman said she was becoming increasinlgy depressed about her weight but only kicked her 4,000 calories-per-day diet when a friend commented that she never seemed to stop eating.

In early 2008, Lara purchased Wii Fit because she wanted to get healthy but couldn't face going to a gym or jogging in the street. Waking at 5 a.m. every morning, she worked out with her Wii Fit and swapped her junk food diet for healthier food.

Just over a year on she has dropped from 252 pounds to 140 pounds.

Palm Pre Plus Coming to Verizon in January

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:56:00 +0000

After over a year of exclusivity with Sprint's network, it looks like the next generation Palm Pre termed the Palm Pre Plus will be making its way to the big red. During the Palm press conference today, CEO Jon Rubinstein announced that Verizon Wireless would be getting a new and improved version of the company's highly-successful Pre smartphone.

Dubbed the Pre Plus, this new handset features double the internal memory of the original Pre (16 GB compared to 8 GB). The Pre Plus also does away with the home/navigation button on the front of the original Pre, and includes a touchstone-compatible cover right out of the box.

There is no official word on pricing just yet, but I would guess that the Pre Plus wil be about $200 with a two year contract.

Viddler offers Video for Small Business

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:25:00 +0000

Today's web content is filled with rich, dynamic material from RSS feeds, to Flash content to embedded video. Embedded video is one of the fastest growing segments on the internet. There are few better ways to enhance your web content than with high-quality embedded video on your pages.

Traditionally, video content was reserved for entertainment niche sites. Business intranet pages and blogs rarely utilized this powerful tool to communicate their message. High costs of dedicated hardware and high bandwidth requirements made video content a long shot call for IT managers. These "show stopping" issues of yester-year are long gone with innovative services like that of offered by Viddler's video hosting for business. Video for small business with Viddler offers a solution for business web content managers to include rich, high quality video content without the high costs of dedicated video hosting systems.

Industry experts like those at CNet Tech News report that small business sites with embedded video content utilized to communicate their message report over 80% higher conversion rates on web pages. Today with high speed, high bandwidth internet access so readily available (take a look at the fresh wave of Android "super phones" just released) it just plain makes sense to start using embedded video to compliment your web content.

Google Phone, Nexus One Launched

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:16:00 +0000

From their Mountain View headquarters search giant Google launched their firepower on the cell phone and more specifically the smart phone industry with what they termed a "super phone". The new device is called the Nexus One and is manufactured by the Taiwanese cell phone giant HTC in close collaboration with Google engineers. With the latest build of the increasingly popular Android operating system 2.1, this device packs some serious power. Nexus One features the much touted Qualcom cpu called the "snapdragon" which screams along at 1.0GHz.

The phone is available today directly from Google as an unlocked device for $529.00 or with TMobile with a 2 year contract for $179.00. Google also announced that Verizon Wireless in the United States and Vodafone have agreed to join Google’s mobile phone. He said the Nexus One would be available in the spring on Verizon.

Google also announced that it would sell Nexus One directly in an online store beginning Tuesday. Consumers will be able to buy it unlocked or with a two-year calling plan from TMobile. The company said it hoped to add other devices and carriers to the direct-to-consumer program.

Size and weight

Height 119mm
Width 59.8mm
Depth 11.5mm
Weight 130 grams w/battery 100g w/o battery

Display

3.7-inch (diagonal) widescreen WVGA AMOLED touchscreen
800 x 480 pixels
100,000:1 typical contrast ratio
1ms typical response rate

Camera & Flash

5 megapixels
Autofocus from 6cm to infinity
2X digital zoom
LED flash
User can include location of photos from phone’s AGPS receiver
Video captured at 720x480 pixels at 20 frames per second or higher, depending on lighting conditions

Cellular & Wireless

UMTS Band 1/4/8 (2100/AWS/900)
HSDPA 7.2Mbps
HSUPA 2Mbps
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n)
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
A2DP stereo Bluetooth

Power and battery

Removable 1400 mAH battery
Charges at 480mA from USB, at 980mA from supplied charger

Talk time Up to 10 hours on 2G Up to 7 hours on 3G
Standby time Up to 290 hours on 2G Up to 250 hours on 3G
Internet use Up to 5 hours on 3G Up to 6.5 hours on Wi-Fi
Video playback Up to 7 hours
Audio playback Up to 20 hours

Processor

Qualcomm QSD 8250 1 GHz

Operating system

Android Mobile Technology Platform 2.1 (Eclair)

Capacity

512MB Flash
512MB RAM
4GB Micro SD Card (Expandable to 32 GB)

Location

Assisted global positioning system (AGPS) receiver
Cell tower and Wi-Fi positioning
Digital compass
Accelerometer

SMS Texting Without a Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:09:00 +0000

"Last month my teenage daughter managed to text over 5,000 times!" Ever hear that one before? Talk to any parent of a teenage kid or a husband of a chatty wife and you've all heard the story. Some people SMS text a LOT! It is quickly becoming the primary method of instant communication in the current generation. At the very least it is becoming a integral part of the way the youth generation uses cellular technology. Well at least it used to be only cellular technology.

Enter web texting. We are seeing more and more solutions to allow users to SMS text over the internet using a standard web browser. Case in point, Text4FreeOnline Free SMS Text Message 2Way. Text4FreeOnline.com provides free real time 2 way SMS messaging. Send SMS and MMS pictures from your phone for free. See Text Responses in real time, just like a chat application. No Phone, No SMS Credits, No Problem.

We think this is a clever idea and a great program. This could really save many users some money. Especially the users who sit in front of a computer and use their phones to SMS text.

The Cree LED Flashlight Craze - Fenix TK11

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:52:00 +0000

If you are a typical gadget tech geek, you've probably drooled over any one of the hundreds of new LED flashlilghts powered by the new light-power CREE LED modules. These suckers are bad to the bone! You thought your D-cell Mag Light was bright and built tough...

Enter the Fenix TK11. Fenix is one of the top manufacturers of high-quality tactical flashlights. This new model in the TK line is a killer!

The Fenix TK11 gives you an amazing amount of light in a flashlight that measures a mere 5.3" long. Fenix TK11 has two output modes - Turbo at 225 lumens and General at 60 lumens, and has a smooth reflector for a long distance beam. (Note: the TK11 differs from the TK10 in that the TK11 has a smooth reflector and is compatible with a 18650 rechargeable battery.)

The entire head of the TK11 is machine from aluminum with a 3-point crenelated bezel which allows you to see if the light has been left on when placed head down. Beneath the bezel sits a toughened, AR coated glass lens similar to other Fenix products. A smooth reflector is used in the TK11 which provides a sharply focused beam with some artifacts. The emitter and reflector are perfectly aligned in my sample. The exterior of the head has 6 shallow scallops machined on it which serves well as an anti-roll feature. The hard anodizing on the head is pretty well done with consistent coloring. This is probably due to the thickness of the coating. Its purely cosmetic though, the surface still feels smooth. Looking inside the rear end of the head you'll see the PCB for the "+" battery contact though do take note that the TK11 does not have the reverse polarity protection implemented so that it will work with flat-topped 18650 cells. The threads on the head are smooth, clean and thicker than previous Fenix models.

The TK11 produces a very tightly focused hotspot due to the use of a smooth reflector. It throws significantly further than the TK10 which uses a textured reflector. Due to this, the beam area has some artifacts such as a dark ring right around the hotspot and a feint yellow ring too. Beam tint is a neutral white on General mode and shifts to a slightly cooler tint on Turbo mode.

The notable feature of the TK11 is that it now officially supports the use of a 18650 cell. The circuit used in the TK11 is different that that used in the TK10 as it allows a 3.7V li-ion cell such as a 18650 to power the light up to full brightness instead of about 75% as the TK10 did. Regulation isn't as consistent as the TK10 when using 2x 16340 or CR123 cells, output seems to increase slightly as the cells run down. The TK11 struggles to maintain regulation with 18650 cells on Turbo mode. Run time is good considering the variety of input voltages the TK11 accepts.

Operation of Fenix TK11 LED Flashlight:
Select either Turbo mode or General mode by turning the bezel:
• Turbo Mode: 225 lumens, 1.5 hours of runtime
• General Mode: 60 lumens, 10 hours of runtime

Features of Fenix TK11 LED Flashlight:
• Cree Premium Q5 7090 XR-E LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours (approximate)
• 2 brightness modes, maximum of 225 lumens
• high efficiency head with smooth reflector throws a long range beam
• digitally regulated to maintain brightness over the life of the batteries
• light will flicker rapidly to indicate low battery power
• powered by 2 ea CR123A lithium batteries or one 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery, (batteries NOT included)
• runs for 1.5 hrs high, 10 hrs low using 2 ea CR123A batteries
• runs for 2.7 hrs high, 12 hrs low using 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery
• durable aircraft grade aluminum body with Type III hard-anodized, anti-abrasive finish
• waterproof to IPX-8* standard (not dive rated)
• toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• removable grip ring
• pushbutton tail switch for momentary on and constant on/off
• anti-roll body design
• includes 2 spare O-rings, spare switch boot, nylon belt holster and wrist lanyard

The Progress of eBook Readers in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:54:00 +0000

2009 saw growth in sales and popularity of eBook readers, although there was still an innate reluctance for people to read from screens rather than paper. 2010 will see a shift in emphasis towards e-ink and paper developments, and the new kids on the block will be offering equipment that the more established Amazon and Sony will work hard to emulate yet alone beat.

There is no doubt that eBook readers are continuing to increase in popularity, although it is believed by many that sales will settle to a background level as most potential users wait for the technology to improve. Although many would like the convenience of an eBook reader and the capability of loading a library of books into one machine, they prefer to wait for improvements in both the e-ink and e-paper technology, and also in the quality of the eReaders.

Many feel that if the Kindle is the best there is then they would rather wait. However, they might perhaps not be waiting too long, because many businesses that believed that portable eBook readers would have a niche clientele at best are now developing their own versions of a technology that is proving to have an unexpectedly large demand.

It looks like sales of eReaders are going to rocket in 2010; that is if the bubbling activity in sales and development planned for the year is anything to go by. It seems that many of the problems that consumers have with eBooks and their readers are being addressed, and that development is not only being restricted just to the production of bigger and better machines, but also to new cutting edge technology. So what's in store for you if you are currently considering the pros and cons of eReaders against the real thing?

The devices themselves are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, with companies such as Plastic Logic and Barnes and Noble entering the arena. The latter has just unveiled its 'Nook', which with its multitouch color screen looks hot enough to knock the Kindle of its pedestal. Plastic Logic is entering the market with a business-oriented eReader with 3G connectivity.

The Plastic Logic proReader will be shown to the public at the Consumer Electronics Show on 7th January, 2010 in Las Vegas. With its 8.5 x 11 inch touchscreen, the QUE is the first true business eReader, enabling users to read PDF, Excel, Word and PowerPoint files. As it was described in the article "The QUE e-Reader: The New Kid on the Block", the screen is not only shatterproof, but also capacitive without any loss in sensitivity that such layered screens often show (Digital Book Readers). "The QUE proReader enhances business performance and gives you a competitive edge," according to Plastic Logic's CEO, Richard Archuleta.

In a market currently dominated by Amazon's Kindle, the two computer giants, Apple and Microsoft, are said to be working separately on a multifunctional tablet device that will also offer computer and multimedia functions to their customers. Sony are also rapidly improving their eReader range and the new IREX DR800SD eBook reader goes some way towards helping with the size problem with its 8.1 inch screen.

Many potential users have been put off by the screen size of the earlier products and these new 8 inch+ products are beginning to look very attractive to them. However, apart from increasing wireless connectivity and larger screen sizes, what else should we be looking for in 2010?

Screen size has not been the only problem with newspapers, although some of these will be resolved by 3G technology providing the ability to update quickly without the need for a hard connection. In fact, the concept of digital newspapers is an attractive one to many people, and it is certainly environmentally friendly. Add to that the saving in printing and distribution costs and it is little wonder that many of the larger newspapers are considering trials based upon a 3G and digital subscription model.

Future hardware could involve thin, rollable screens that would convert a large number of people who currently prefer magazine and tabloid formatting. However, given that news is freely available online, the e-News experience would have to offer something special over and above just what can be found on any laptop or palm computer.

Perhaps the new product being developed by Asus might meet the needs of everybody. This eReader is said to have twin color touchscreens that open up just like a hardback book, thus meeting one of the complaints that reading eBook readers with one page open at a time detracts from the reading experience. The eReader will also have a speaker, microphone and webcam, thus enabling Skype videocalls.

In fact, Amazon had better shape up because word has it that the Asus will cost less than the Kindle, and with all the extra features, is liable to jump ahead of it in sales. 2010 might see a massive sea-shift in popularity, particularly if Amazon and Seiko have been resting on their laurels a bit. There is no time for that anymore because the next 12 months will see a massive surge in both R&D and in developments on existing products.

Another of the gripes of genuine book lovers is the appearance of the print. E-ink has gone a long way towards solving this problem, and the continuing development of both ink and e-paper technology by companies other than just Prime View International will lead to improvements in the appearance of eBook reader text and also in prices for the equipment. Early 2010 will bring more competition in this technology that will benefit customers' pockets and their reading experience.

As the popularity of such devices continues to grow, computer and cell phone manufacturers will offer their own equivalents, based on 3G technology and utilising the best e-ink and e-paper technology available to them. Devices will become larger, though still portable, which will involve rollable screens commensurate with the restriction in screen size of portable devices. An increasing number of devices will offer touchscreen throughout 2010, although color screens will not likely be generally available until the year after.

You will also be seeing stores setting aside space just for eBook readers and associated technology. To date, such equipment has been hidden among other miscellaneous electronic applications, but it is now being recognized as a mainstream technology deserving its own promotions.

Finally, don't forget Asia! 2010 will also likely see a significant increase in inexpensive eBook readers from China, Taiwan and other Asian countries. However, it will be the screen and ink technology, and also the range of books, magazines, and eventually newspapers available to users that will ultimately distinguish between those eReaders that sell and those that don't.

This article republished from Article Alley Technology Articles

King of Android Wars - Hero vs. Motorola Droid

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:23:00 +0000

We have now had a little time (a couple days) to play with the top two Android phones on the market now, the Sprint HTC Hero and the Motorola Droid for Verizon. So we wanted to offer our initial impressions between the two handsets. Here is my breakdown:

Motorola Droid wins in the screen deptartment big time. It's bigger (3.7 inches) and has better resolution (854 x 480). It also wins big in overall speed, as the Motorola Droid does have a faster processor.Lastly for the Moto Droid, the physical keyboard is... [READ FULL ARTICLE on ShopAndroid.net Blog]

Blackberry Storm 2 Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:29:00 +0000

Reviews vary widely in verdict, just like the original Storm (CNET gives it two out of five stars, while PC Mag gives it four out of five) but on the whole everybody agrees that it's a definite step up, fixing most of the issues users had with the original (most notably that lag problem). Some of the reviews, particularly PC Mag and IntoMobile, are downright glowing, which is unexpected given the critical response to the original Storm, but certainly welcome. Note: The two British publications, TechRadar and Times UK, reviewed the 9520, which is the Vodafone version. All others reviewed the 9550 (the Verizon version we'll see in the States).

CrackBerry: "The Storm2 fixes many of the BlackBerry Storm's outstanding issues and makes a ton of incremental improvements, all of which add up to something that feels noticeably better."
CNET: "The RIM BlackBerry Storm 2 brings some welcome additions, such as Wi-Fi, updated software, and a better touch interface, but it's going to face some serious competition from Verizon's upcoming touch-screen smartphones."

PC Mag: "The BlackBerry Storm2 9550 finally delivers on the original Storm 9530's promise."
Washington Post: "Definitely an upgrade from the first Storm in design and usability"
Wall Street Journal: "Fixes all those [hardware] flaws [in the Storm]," but "the traditional BlackBerry interface cries out for a major overhaul"

Laptop Magazine: "It's really more like a do-over than a sequel."
IntoMobile: "I might find something to nag about on the Storm2 after putting it through the gauntlet, but right now, I just really like this thing. All of the gaps have been plugged."
TechRadar (9520): "Overall, the Storm 2 is very much an improvement over the original Storm, but it's evolutionary rather than revolutionary, despite overhauling the SurePress interface."
Times UK (9520): "For all its attempts to court a new customer base, the core market for the Storm 2 remains the business user"

Windows Tablet vs. Apple Tablet

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:53:00 +0000

More than just photos are leaking out about Courier, Microsoft's booklet sized tablet currently in development. Gizmodo has a video showing the Courier's user interface in action. The Gizmodo video is on YouTube (see below) and you should also check out Gizmodo's article about it. The second video looks at an earlier engineering prototype called Codex, also with very early UI design ideas. Courier looks to be the digital equivalent of your calendar, address book, notebook, photos and access to the web -- kind of like an "iPhone meets notebook and pen" device.

While the Courier does use gestures and multi-touch commands, probably the biggest question that popped up for me is whether the pen interface (digital ink) is the right choice for the job. Is the pen interface something that belongs in the Tablet PC era, but not in new touch interface devices? Part of me says the pen's a good idea because that's how we are used to capturing information in our notebooks.

But I personally rarely use a notebook or write things with a pen. I always capture information in my laptop or iPhone, which are pretty much with me constantly. Maybe the touch keyboard, like is used with the iPhone, is the way to go. I personally would rather type, even with a simulated digital keyboard, than write with a pen stylus. It's more akin to using my laptop. The downside is the touch keyboard takes up screen real-estate, where a pen interface doesn't. Apple solved this by hiding and showing the touch keyboard as needed. But the touch's keyboard is more of a thumb-style keypad, not sometime you type with like a normal physical keyboard.

What's really intriguing is thinking about Microsoft and Apple battling it out in the marketplace for this new booklet size tablet. You know Apple's device will be cleanly styled, well designed, and have very good usability. Microsoft's Courier interface is new, something we haven't seen before so we don't know what kind of reaction we'll see from users. In the meantime, we're left to watch videos and simulated interfaces. Hopefully not for long.

So... are you a pen interface user or fan? Or do you prefer the touch keyboard?

Zune 4.0 Software Issues with HD

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:49:00 +0000

With the launch of the Zune HD and the CEDIA show just around the corner, hope has been this could mean an all new integrated future for Windows Media Center and other Microsoft platforms. Don't hold your breath. The corrected spec sheet received from Microsoft indicated HDTV and protected Windows Media Center DVR-MS (the files used by Vista Media center) recordings were not supported. This is what Microsoft's response was in this:

"Zune HD, and the forthcoming Zune 4.0 PC software, will support and transcode Windows Media Center recorded TV file formats from Windows Vista or Windows 7 that contain MPEG-2 video, in either the DVR-MS or WTV formats. Support is limited to unencrypted SD and HD recordings. HD Files with AC3 audio are not supported by Zune."

As you may or may not be aware, in the U.S. any high definition broadcasts you snag from antenna, ClearQAM or otherwise use Dolby Digital AC-3 audio, meaning the Zune software won't be able to convert them. Current workarounds for bringing Media Center recordings on the go should still be a go, but all we can see is the missed opportunity to tie the two platforms together with easy one click transcoding support. Hopefully Microsoft still has something up its sleeve to pull together Zune and Windows 7 Media Center, but portable DVR recordings ain't it.

Black Wii Controllers Coming to US

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:35:00 +0000

We all think that the Wii console looks pretty awesome in black. Unfortunately it seems to be a Japan only option at the moment. And in some sort of cruel tease, Nintendo of America today announced that it will be offering a black Wii Remote, Nunchuk and MotionPlus controller set.

Nintendo hasn't given an exact shipping date for this controller set yet, but we're supposed to expect it in time for the holidays. Too bad we won't have the black console to match.

Were you planning to get a black Wii? Do you already have a white one that you were going to swap out? Let us know!

Android Phone on Verizon this year?

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:35:00 +0000

More and more we are hearing about Android based phones coming to Verizon. So far the only official talk is behind the Motorola Sholes model which features a decent screen and a slide out qwerty keyboard. But futher rumors are being reported that the Palm Pre and other HTC devices will be released later this year with the Android based operating systems.

We say good move Verizon. Along with what will be most likely the first carrier to have 4G speeds with their LTE network, it is looking more and more like Verizon will not need the iPhone to be the number 1 smart phone carrier in the world.

Microsoft Partnering with Nokia on Mobile Office

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:45:00 +0000

CNet today reports that Microsoft is today expected to announce a partnership with the Finnish mobile phone maker that will see the two companies collaborate to bring a version of Microsoft office to Nokia devices.

Citing people familiar with the matter, WSJ also reports the same rumors of an announcement and goes on to say that the deal will be announced by Kai Oistamo, executive vice president for Nokia's devices unit, and Stephen Elop, president of Microsoft's business division, a group within the software company responsible for its Office business.

While neither Microsoft nor Nokia are talking turkey right now, the two companies have a press conference scheduled for 8 a.m. (PT) this morning. When word first got out about the event, many people thought Nokia was going to reveal a Windows Mobile device.

Click here for the full story.

Facebook leaks "Lite" Version of site accidentally

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Facebook last night rolled out a service to selected users called Facebook Lite.

A significant amount of users last night logged on to Facebook and were met with a message from the site admin that said they had been selected to help beta test Facebook Lite.

"We are building a faster, simpler version of Facebook that we call Facebook Lite. It’s not finished yet and we have plenty of kinks to work out, but we would love to get your feedback on what we have built so far.

Check out Facebook Lite now at http://lite.facebook.com."

Unfortunately, it seems Facebook didn't mean for so many people to see the above message. TechCrunch reports that the vast majority of users who visited the URL didn't see anything that looked too different from the current version of Facebook. However, a select few users were given a sneak peak of the service earlier in the week and said it was like Twitter with comments enabled. Some even compared it to a simplified FriendFeed, a content sharing site that Facebook purchased on Monday.

Sony to Release Motion Controls for PS3?

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:21:00 +0000

Rumors have been circling about a motion sensing "remote" controller for the PS3 for years. Since the release of the Nintendo Wii, Playstation gamers have been talking up the possibility of a controller with motion sensing capabilities (like Wii has) for the PS3. The latest rumors say we’ll see one by June of this year.

Sony applied for a patent for a “detectable and trackable hand-held controller” back in 2006 and reports doing the rounds this morning suggest that Sony will debut the device in just a few weeks, at E3.

According to "The Cut Scene", a good source saw a working prototype several months ago that largely fit what was in the patent documentation. Sony's controller apparently used LEDs coupled with a small web cam to track movements. Because the camera can read different color lights and the shape and angle of each light, it's much more accurate than the Wii controller.

Skype for iPhone to Be Released as Early as Next Week

noreply@blogger.com (Dan Ponjican) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:15:00 +0000

Exclusive Heads up: A few months ago, Skype CEO Josh Silverman was asked when was he going to launch the iPhone version of the P2P voice and IM service that has now been downloaded more than 405 million times. His response was, “Stay tuned.”

Now Skype is almost ready to launch that iPhone version, perhaps as soon as next week (reported by gigaom.com). CTIA Wireless, a large mobile industry trade event, kicks off in Las Vegas next Wednesday, so perhaps the announcement will be made there.

The biggest clue about Skype’s pending iPhone launch came when iSkoot decided to move on from its Skype-centric strategy. The company had been offering a client that allowed cell phone users to use Skype services. Skype already offers a Windows Mobile version of its client.

As I’ve said before, Skype will have to turn to mobile to keep its growth intact. In recent months, many services, among them Truphone and Nimbuzz, started supporting Skype in their communication clients. However, a standalone Skype client would get a lot of traction among the Skype faithful. In the meantime, I think Skype is slowly flexing its muscles and swatting away little VoIP players with some of its recent moves.