Worm Masquerades as Microsoft Antipiracy Program

Jeremy Kirk from IDG News Service posted a very interesting article that everyone should read. It is short but to the point. He talks about a new threat called W32.Cuebot-K that spreads through AIM. The twist is that it appears as if it is the Windows Genuine Advantage.

In part, Jeremy had the following to say:

The malware has been classified as a worm and spreads through AOL's Instant Messenger program, said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos PLC, a security vendor.

Sophos is calling it W32.Cuebot-K, a new variation in the Cuebot family of malware. The worm has a range of malicious functions. After it's installed, the worm immediately tries to connect to two Web sites, a sign it may try to download other bad programs on the machine.

He continues with a discussion on A Nasty Payload and Worm With an Ironic Twist

This is definitely worth the look...check out Jeremy's article here.

Imagine the Possibilities with...

...a NEW keyboard from Microsoft!

Microsoft Hardware is pushing the innovation envelope and introducing industry firsts to help you move from work to play with cutting-edge performance and total style.

Can a keyboard create its own mood lighting? Respond to you? Enlighten you? Move with you? The ultimate desktop can with ambient backlighting, proximity sensing and 30-feet of range.

Check the ULTIMATE KEYBOARD out and click on the Experience it first here to see a demo of this very cool keyboard!

Want a FREE MP3 Player? Checkout Napster!

Napster is giving out FREE MP3 players to those of you that subscribe to Napster To Go

•Listen to music online and offline with no play limits or ads. Choose from over 2 Million CD-quality tracks.

•Get personalized recommendations based on the music you listen to.

•Enjoy hundreds of pre-programmed playlists or create your own.

•Keep all the music you download for as long as you continue your subscription.

....and for a little bit more each month you can have all the benefits of a Napster subscription, plus you can fill and refill your compatible MP3 player without paying per track. Now that is cool!

Check it out here

Earthcomber’s Releases "Movies on the Move" – First GPS-enabled Movie Guide in the U.S.

“Movies on the Move,” a free download for Palm OS and Windows Mobile-powered handheld devices, is available on Earthcomber.

Mobile phones and PDAs can now spot theaters and showtimes by how close they are to the person scouting for a movie, thanks to the first GPS-enabled movie guide offered in the US.

“Movies on the Move,” a free download for Palm OS and Windows Mobile-powered handheld devices, is available on Earthcomber, a website that provides mapping and local data as well as personal navigation software.

The detailed listings of movies, showtimes and theaters are now part of the local information that comes with maps for every region in the United States. The guide itself, which carries reviews, descriptions and images of the movies playing, is an additional download for high-capacity devices. It is also free.

Earthcomber’s show listings cover nearly 5,400 theaters and 30,000 screens.

“Real, up-to-date movie listings are one of the handiest things you can put on a PDA or your smart phone,” said Jim Brady, Earthcomber’s founder and president. “What makes Movies on the Move different is they all show up in order of how close to where you’re standing.”

“Putting movie listings out for free is also a huge departure from the ‘try-then-subscribe’ services,” Brady said.

Earthcomber’s patented software uses GPS (Global Positioning Service) if available on the phone or other device. If the phone or PDA doesn’t have a real GPS signal, Earthcomber still provides GPS-simulation by allowing a user to tap the screen to mark their current location. Then all of each user’s personal interests appear by proximity.

“That really beats figuring out what zip code you’re in and doing repetitious searches on a mobile web site,” Brady said. “Plus, you can look for movies at the same time you’re looking for all the rest of the things you’re interested in – coffee shops, Wi-Fi hot spots, stores, ATMs, bars, whatever.”

The “Movies on the Move™” service is updated nightly and typically provides detailed information on approximately 400 movies per day, ranging from current box office hits to single screens showing obscure titles. The guide itself requires 1.5 to 3 megabites of storage space, and inludes movie synopses, actor and director credits and full reviews of popular titles, along with many photos.

The guide may be stored on a memory card for older devices, though it is not required – show times and theater listings are independently loaded into downloadable map and data sets from www.earthcomber.com.


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A Breaking News Breakthrough

Todd Ogasawara wrote a neat review of the program Newsbreak, a mobile application that pulls Web content - including news, blogs, and even pictures - to your mobile device. In part, this is what Todd had to say:

A tie may be optional in the Aloha State of Hawaii, but keeping up on current events isn’t. Fortunately, my Windows Mobile powered device and a handy utility from Ilium Software lets me zip through hundreds of sources of news and not miss a ray of sunshine. NewsBreak – available for smartphones and Pocket PCs – works with news and weather sites, blogs, and any other Web site that provides an RSS or Atom newsfeed.

He did a terrific job on this review...if you have not used this program, take a look here to see what Todd had to say. You just might find yourself deciding to use it to stay current with all that is going onb around you!

Watch Live and Made-For-Mobile Television Content on Windows Mobile Powered Devices

MobiTV, Inc., the global leader in television and digital radio services for cellular, WiFi and broadband enabled devices, today announced the immediate availability of the MobiTV service for Windows Mobile powered phones and devices. Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphones feature full-screen viewing, a home-like electronic programming guide and much more.

"We already support over 100 different mobile devices and are excited to offer this new version for Windows Mobile powered devices," said Ben Feinman, director of product management for MobiTV. "Windows Mobile is particularly well-suited for multimedia and the experience is amazing. We think everyone needs to see it to believe it."

"Windows Mobile enables people to have a single device that goes beyond email and can be customized to suit their active lifestyle," said James Pratt, lead product manager, Microsoft Corporation. "The combination of Windows Mobile and MobiTV delivers a rich multimedia experience empowering people to take their favorite entertainment with them wherever they go."

"At Handango, our customers expect to find the latest and greatest mobile content for their devices, which is what our exclusive release of MobiTV's Windows Mobile applications provide," said Randy Eisenman, president and chief executive officer of Handango. "The MobiTV subscription application, which utilizes the Handango Mobile Billing API, is a great way to stay entertained while on the go. We are excited to partner closely with MobiTV by powering its storefront with the Handango Commerce Engine, as well as providing our customers with yet another outstanding Windows Mobile product."

MobiTV and Microsoft recently demonstrated the MobiTV service on Windows Mobile-powered devices, as well as on the Microsoft Windows Media platform for the launch of MobiTV's new PC service.

Available on new and popular devices including the Sprint 6700, Cingular 2125, Motorola Q and Palm's Treo 700w, consumers of MobiTV on Windows Mobile powered devices can access a broad range of channels from top-tier content providers. For a complete list of content partners or to sign up for MobiTV for Windows Mobile devices, please visit www.mobitv.com. The MobiTV service for Windows Mobile is also available at www.handango.com.


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HANDHELD ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

HandHeld Entertainment announced that it has signed a video distribution agreement with SONY BMG Music Entertainment.

Under terms of the agreement, HandHeld Entertainment now has the rights to distribute Sony BMG music videos via download through the ZVUE.com download store, where consumers will be able to purchase and download individual videos for replay on portable video players and personal computers. The ZVUE.com download store employs the Windows Media DRM.

This agreement gives ZVUE users and visitors to ZTV (www.zvue.com) access to one of the largest downloadable music video libraries in the world, featuring artists and recording acts from more than 20 labels, in genres ranging from hip hop, R&B and pop to country, rock and alternative.

Block Stacking - A BIG Box!

Block stacking taken to outrageous extremes with Big Box of Blox!

Astraware and Digital Eel are excited to announce the release of Big Box of Blox for Palm OS(R) and Windows Mobile(R) handhelds.

Big Box of Blox is a block stacking game taken to outrageous extremes! Using stylus or button controls, players arrange the three-blox-high stacks as they fall. Match blox in groups of three or more, vertically or horizontally, to eliminate them - but that's not all!

Don't just stack the blox. Smash them, blast them, mutate them or explode them in a shower of flames! Use special blox including jokers, bombs, frogs, mushrooms, fireballs and slot machines to clear the board before it reaches the top!

Choose from five exciting game modes: Flaming Peelout, Blok Atak, Groink, Mushroom King and Asylum Cubez or even create your own combination using the special Custom Mode. Faithful to the critically-acclaimed PC version, Big Box of Blox features cool psychedelic graphics, awe-inspiring animated backgrounds, brain crunching sound effects and an epic music soundtrack. The game's graphics reflect the dark and mysterious nature of the PC original, but PDA owners are sometimes known to go outside into the light, so Big Box of Blox also includes a gamma adjustment slider so you can select anywhere from dark and atmospheric to vibrant and acidic.

"We originally intended to make a nice normal blox stacking game, however, we failed to accomplish this goal marvelously. Big Box of Blox is anything but normal," explained Digital Eel co-founder, Rich Carlson.

Big Box of Blox is available for devices running Palm OS(R) 5.0 upwards, and Windows Mobile(R) for Pocket PC and Smartphone 2003, 2003SE and 5.0. The game is available from the Astraware website priced $19.95 with a special limited time release discount for Club Astraware members.

About Astraware

Founded in 1994, Astraware Limited develops, publishes and distributes games for mobile devices. Some of the company's best known handheld titles include PopCap Games Bejeweled., Zuma., and Insaniquarium., Sandlot Games Tradewinds, and Astraware Sudoku and Zap!2000/2016. Astraware is a Microsoft(R) Certified Gold Partner. Mobile gaming enthusiasts have downloaded more than 30 million copies of Astraware's products, and the company has customers in over 100 countries. For more information, contact Alison Barclay at alison@astraware.com, or visit http://www.astraware.com.

About Digital Eel

Digital Eel is a self-funded independent PC & Mac video game development team located in Seattle, Washington, USA. The group was formed in 2001 by game industry professionals, Rich Carlson, Iikka Keranen and Bill "Phosphorous" Sears, as a self-described "labor of love between three friends who like to make games together." Digital Eel created the critically-acclaimed "Infinite Space" games, as well as award-winning and genre-twisting favorites like Dr. Blob's Organism and Big Box of Blox.




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Do BlackBerrys Kill Vacations?

LAPTOP Magazine Unveils New Series Exploring Societal Impact of Mobile Technology

Should you track your eight-year-old with a GPS-enabled cell phone? Pack a BlackBerry along with sunscreen for your next summer vacation? Ask a coach class seatmate if he minds that you watch an R-rated movie on your laptop? LAPTOP-Mobile Solutions for Business & Life, the leading mobile technology magazine, seeks to shed some light on these and other complicated issues with its new series of special reports investigating the societal impact of a world gone wireless. This editorial series begins with the July issue of LAPTOP, currently available on newsstands.

In July’s “Letter from the Editor,” LAPTOP Editor in Chief Mark Spoonauer asks, “How does having all of this technology at our disposal change the way we work, the way we play, and the direction that our society is moving in as a whole?” This smart and provocative ongoing series aims to help readers understand the impact of wireless technology by exploring the dynamics of having information instantly available at our fingertips anywhere we go.

The ever-increasing pace of innovation demands that the media attempt to provide a sense of perspective, and there is no better source than the publication that has been following mobile technology for more than 15 years. By consulting with everyone from sociologists and industry leaders to heads of research labs and individual consumers, LAPTOP will help its readers assess the potential benefits and downsides of always being connected.

The first installment, “Online, On Vacation,” takes an in-depth look at working vacations, exploring whether staying in touch while out of the office makes our lives more or less stressful. In the upcoming August issue, LAPTOP will investigate how parents can keep their children safe from such threats as online predators and cyberbullying. In September, LAPTOP will examine the new rules of digital etiquette by discussing whether America’s obsession with gadgets like cell phones and iPods is creating a ruder culture.

The July issue is a true celebration of LAPTOP's continued leadership role in covering all aspects of mobile technology. In addition to highlighting our 27 favorite wireless gadgets, the July issue features an undercover report on tech support, a look at location-based services and how they may compromise our privacy, the best business resorts, and how-to articles on making ringtones and encrypting files with simple step-by-step instructions.


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Traffic.com Offers Freedom from Gridlock on Fourth of July Weekend

Dial 1-866-MY-TRAFC for Free, Real-Time Traffic Reports On-the-Go

Regardless of gas prices and expected congestion, millions of Americans will hit the road this weekend for the Fourth of July holiday. Whether heading to the beach or the local firework festivities, traffic seems sure to cause frustration -- but now there's a new way to free drivers from holiday traffic hassles.

Traffic.com the source for the most accurate, comprehensive, and real-time traffic information in the United States, has launched a free, interactive traffic hotline for drivers -- 1-866-MY-TRAFC (1-866-698-7232) to help drivers avoid those holiday traffic jams.

Drivers in 40 U.S. metropolitan areas can access this one-of-a-kind traffic reporting service when, where, and as often as they need it during this travel weekend and beyond. This is the newest feature in Traffic.com's my traffic.com(TM) suite of free, personalized services, which deliver accurate, real-time traffic information to drivers online, or to their e-mail, phone and PDA. Other services include:

-- my traffic.com phone alerts - gives drivers updates by phone when there are delays along specific route(s) at exactly the time(s) requested by the drivers

-- my traffic.com mobile e-mail alerts - plain text updates for the primary drives designed for delivery to a mobile e-mail device and scheduled by the user

-- my traffic.com desktop e-mail alerts - fully-formatted traffic reports delivered as scheduled including Jam Factor(R) indicators for all saved drives. A proprietary, color-coded, numerical system, Jam Factor offers consumers a look at current traffic conditions, with indication of worsening or improving trends, for their routes.

When drivers call 1-866-MY-TRAFC or request a mobile or desktop alert, they will receive a detailed traffic report that includes a Jam Factor(R) rating (a traffic scale that grades traffic conditions from 0-10 with 10 representing the worst possible traffic conditions); travel and delay times; accident reports; construction delays; and more.

Registered users of the http://www.traffic.com Web site can access their saved, personalized drives via the hotline; unregistered users will be prompted for their city and the roadway on which they are traveling. The driver will then receive the real-time traffic report for that particular drive or road.


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JAJAH - Free Global Calling

Erik Larkin from PC World wrote an article today on Jajah's Free Telephone Service" which is a new plan offering free international long distance calls. You use your existing service couples with Jajah's VoIP equipment.

So what is JAJAH Free Global Calling?

JAJAH Free Global Calling allows you to make free local and international phone calls. It applies to land line and mobile calls to and within: the United States; Canada; China; Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, and to landline calls to and within: Australia; UK; Germany; France, Italy and most other European nations.

It applies when both call participants are registered and active JAJAH users. In countries where free phone calls are not available, or if someone is calling a non-JAJAH member, calls are subject to JAJAH’s regular low rates.

Interested? Find out more here

Verizon Wireless to prorate early termination fees

C/Net is reporting that Verizon Wireless plans to prorate its early termination fees this fall. Based upon customer complaints, this proration will appease customers and have little impact on finances for Verizon.

I am sure this will start the ball rolling for other providers...

Off to Maine today....

Too humid here...and it is nice up north so we are heading up to the lake for a long holiday over the 4th.

Not much news up today...a few rumors but I don't think they are worth wasting your time on....until some serious validation appears, then we will post it.

We all know new devices are coming but the hype that appears based on rumor often hurts the user expectation.....I won't be part of that.

In any event, enjoy your day, take a look at the slew of info we posted yesterday and make sure you jump over to Mobilitysite to see what is going on while I'm driving to Maine.

Unlimited International Calling

Rebtel Offers Unlimited International Calling on Mobile Phones for as Little as USD 1.00 Per Week

Rebtel Networks AB, a new mobile telecommunications services company, today announced that people in 30 countries can now start using its services for making ultra low-cost international calls on their mobile phones.
"If you can make a local call on your mobile phone, you can be rebbing within minutes for free," said Hjalmar Winbladh, Rebtel's president and CEO.

How Rebtel Works

To get started, people sign up for a Rebtel account at http://www.rebtel.com, where they enter their mobile phone number and the mobile phone numbers of global friends. Rebtel then instantly creates pairs of local numbers and sends them in text messages (sms) so they can be saved in the friends' phone address books and used to call each other from then on.

For example, a person in San Francisco gets a local San Francisco number for calling a friend in London, and their friend in London gets a local London number for reaching them in San Francisco. The local calls are connected using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.

Once set up, Rebtel charges USD 1.00 per week for use of two services: REBin and REBout.

With REBout, people use local numbers where they live to call anywhere in the world and only pay for the local call, plus a small per-minute fee to Rebtel.

Hang up, Hang on, Hang out

But for those who think that's too expensive Rebtel offers a new, free service called REBin, where the user's local call is connected with their global friend's local call in a virtual room on the Internet, called a REBroom.

In the REBroom all calls are free. No matter how many calls, how often or how long, there are no additional charges over the USD 1.00 per week service fee and the cost of the local calls that most consumers have already paid for with their mobile carrier.

To get to the REBroom, instead of answering when friends phone, the user hangs up, and while the friend hangs on, the user calls the friend's local number. The two calls are automatically connected, and the friends can hang out and talk for as long as they like.

For more information go to Rebtel on the Web at http://www.rebtel.com

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Every Mobile Phone Needs a Pet!

Bandai Reintroduces the Multi-Million-Selling Virtual Pet, Tamagotchi for the Mobile Phone Platform

For mobile phones languishing hour after hour, stuck in the bottom of a purse, backpack or deep pocket, comes Tamagotchi from Bandai America Inc., the mobile phone version of the top-selling virtual pet of the same name, now in its third version after more than 10 years on the market.

Perfect for those mobile phone users who are wracked with guilt for not spending enough quality time with their mobile devices, they can now rest assured that not only will the Tamagotchi pet keep their phones company, but also remind the owner to check in on it from time to time for feedings, bedding down and other day-to-day needs, while the application is running on the phone.

First introduced as a pocket-sized toy in 1996, the original Tamagotchi virtual pet has sold more than 40 million units worldwide, with more than 12 million in the U.S. and Canada. Not only did the original toy spur a pop culture phenomenon, but also created a new toy category and prompted countless imitations. During its peak, 15 Tamagotchi units were sold every minute in the U.S. and Canada.

"The Tamagotchi virtual pet for the mobile phone gives a whole new dimension to pet ownership," said Masao Ohata, Vice President of Network Entertainment for Bandai America Inc. "Users will be amazed at how Tamagotchi will rekindle the close relationship many once had with their mobile phones."

The Tamagotchi virtual pet is available through most major U.S. mobile phone carrier networks. More information can be found at http://www.BandaiWireless.com.

About Bandai America, Inc.

A leading provider of quality entertainment for mobile devices, Bandai America Inc. is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., a newly formed joint entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. The wireless team at Bandai America Inc. is committed to providing mobile gamers with addictive and familiar titles catering to all consumers in the causal, classic/nostalgic and cutting-edge 3D genres. Global interests now encompass five strategic business units: toys and hobby (toys, models, apparel and sundries), amusement facilities, game content (wireless/mobile, home and arcade console gaming) and visual and music content (including home entertainment). Bandai America is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children's toys and entertainment today, including Power Rangers, Ben 10 and Tamagotchi. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California, and information is available at http://www.Bandai.com.


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Toshiba Unveils Company's First Widescreen Tablet PC

New Tecra M7 Offers Large Widescreen Display and Exclusive EasyGuard Technology to Provide Highly Versatile Tablet PC

Toshiba's Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., today unveiled the company's first widescreen Tablet PC with the launch of the Tecra(R) M7. Toshiba's sixth-generation convertible Tablet PC is designed for maximum flexibility and performance by uniquely blending the productivity of a notebook computer with the performance of a desktop computer and the convenience of a notepad to deliver one of the industry's most robust mobile computing solutions.

The Tecra M7 is the world's first Tablet PC to incorporate a 14.1-inch diagonal widescreen WXGA+ (1440 x 900) display with Tablet PC support. This large display with increased resolution provides users with a greater amount of screen real estate to maximize the digital ink capabilities. Users can use the digital ink function to transform documents, spreadsheets and presentations into digital paper and use their own hand writing to enter data. In large or individual settings, such as meetings and lectures, the Tecra can be used as a mobile whiteboard. The rotating function of the display makes it easy to collect data and share information with an audience.

Less than six pounds(1), the Tecra M7 may be comfortably carried to meetings or classrooms, taken on a plane or on the road. Toshiba outfitted the Tecra M7 with the latest cutting-edge components and software, including Intel(R) Centrino(R) Duo Mobile Technology, Microsoft(TM) Windows(R) XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 operating system and Toshiba's exclusive EasyGuard(TM) technology to ensure this new business-class Tablet PC answers the demand for increased productivity. Demonstrating the advantage of Tablet PC computing, the Tecra M7 delivers up to four hours of battery life(2) affording users with plenty of time to complete projects before needing to charge.

"Toshiba is driving the growing adoption of Tablet PCs into mainstream business environments with the release of the Tecra M7," said Jeff Barney, vice president of marketing, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems. "We have experienced unparalleled success in the education, SMB and healthcare markets as a result of Toshiba's commitment to developing convertible Tablet PCs with a focus on productivity. The Tecra M7 is a powerful mobile computing solution that delivers quality, reliability and security in a highly functional and flexible mobile computing solution."

The Tecra M7 incorporates Toshiba's exclusive EasyGuard(TM) technology(3) -- a series of hardware and software enhancements designed to boost mobile security, system and data integrity, network connectivity and overall ease of use. Toshiba categorizes EasyGuard technology into four components:

Protect & Fix

Utilizing a multi-level approach to data protection, this convertible Tablet PC incorporates specially made shock-absorbing materials to help safeguard critical components such as the hard drive and LCD display. Internally, the hard drive and display are housed within their own casings for better isolation against shock and impact. The sleek industrial design integrates impact bumpers on the four corners of the Tablet PC to establish protection zones to separate internal components from the outer enclosure.

The Toshiba Hard Disk Drive Protection System helps safeguard the Tablet PC's hard drive against possible damage resulting from accidental dropping, turbulence, impact or vibration. Through the integration of a 3D accelerometer, the Toshiba HDD Protection System detects when the Tecra M7 experiences unsafe, sudden "acceleration" in any direction. Once danger is detected, the hard drive immediately places itself into a protected mode and parks the hard drive head until the system determines it is safe to resume normal operation. digy

The Tecra M7 also features an enhanced spill-resistant keyboard(4) that affords users time to save work and shut down the system. If an accident should occur, this feature will help prevent the loss of data.

Secure

The Tecra M7 employs a multi-pronged approach to security in order to help defend itself against unauthorized access, data theft and virtual attacks. The root of Toshiba's security design is the Trusted Platform Module, an embedded security chipset that stores encryption keys, passwords and user credentials to ensure that data cannot be accessed or seen by anyone but an authorized user.

Further building on its security infrastructure is an integrated biometric fingerprint reader with single sign-on functionality. This added security feature associates the user's passwords for the BIOS, hard drive and operating system with one's fingerprint. Assigning passwords to three critical components of the Tablet PC presents unauthorized users with three unique password challenges just to launch the system's operating system. Large and small businesses will appreciate the ability to implement complex password schemes to maintain the integrity of secured data and applications. On an individual basis, users can benefit from the simplicity of password management for quick and easy access to the system and data.

Connect

To simplify wired and wireless connectivity, the new Tecra M7 is outfitted with a complete suite of communication technologies including Gigabit Ethernet, and V.92 modem and the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection (802.11 a/b/g)(5) as part of the notebook's standard configuration. Additionally, the Tecra M7 can be configured with optional Bluetooth(R) v.2.0+EDR technology to connect with the growing number of Bluetooth(R) devices.

The Tecra M7 features proprietary technologies such as Toshiba's recently upgraded ConfigFree(R) and the company's patented Diversity Antenna. ConfigFree is Toshiba's intuitive graphic connectivity management utility created to simplify the connectivity experience when using wired and wireless Ethernet or Bluetooth(R). Toshiba's Diversity Antenna design delivers superior wireless signal reception through the integration of strategically placed Bluetooth(R) technology and dual-band Wi-Fi(R) antennas in the system's display.

Optimize

The fourth element, Optimize, is a series of proprietary software enhancements, enabling users to customize system settings for maximum system performance and battery life based on individual needs and preferences. Features include Toshiba Power Saver to maximize battery life and breeze through a meeting fully connected, Toshiba's Presentation button, a one-touch button to display the screen's image onto an LCD projector or external monitor easily and instantaneously and a wireless on/off switch enabling and disabling the integrated wireless LAN and Bluetooth(R).

Service and Support

The Tecra M7 is available with either a one- or three-year standard, limited warranty(6), which includes carry-in support at Authorized Service Providers throughout the country; or customers may utilize any of the more than 3,000 UPS Stores(R) and Mail Boxes Etc.(R) locations for packaging and delivery of the product to a centralized depot for prompt service turnaround. Customers can also choose to upgrade the Tablet PC's service plans, including up to four years of extended warranty coverage.

As part of the company's support program, Toshiba offers Ask Iris(R) Online, an instant response information service that can alert users to security software patches or provide other information regarding their product from Toshiba engineers and technical support staff.

Toshiba offers two recommended configurations for the Tecra M7, in addition to allowing business and individual users to configure the Tablet PC to best meet their own unique mobile computing needs. Toshiba's new Tablet PC is now available through Toshiba Direct, mail order and the company's Reseller Partners with prices starting at $1,599(7).

Tecra M7-S7331 Recommended Configuration (Priced at $1,899(7))
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo Processor T2400 (1.83GHz,
2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)(8)

Operating System: Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Tablet Edition

Display: 14.1-inch diagonal widescreen WXGA+ (1440 x 900
native resolution)

System Chipset: Mobile Intel(R) 945GM/PM Express Chipset

Graphics Controller: Intel(R) Graphics Accelerator 950 with 8MB-196MB
dynamically allocated shared graphics memory(9)

Memory: 1024MB DDR2 SDRAM (max 4GB)(10)

Hard Drive: 100GB (5400RPM, Serial ATA)(11)

Optical Drive: DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive

Communications: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless Network Connection 3945ABG
(802.11a/b/g)(5), Intel(R) PRO/1000 VE Network
Connection (10/100/1000 Base-TX Ethernet) and
Toshiba V.92 modem

Ports: 5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter
Video: RGB monitor port, S-Video port
Audio: microphone jack, headphone jack
Data: i.LINK(TM) IEEE-1394, 4-USB (v.2.0), RJ-45
LAN, RJ-11 modem, 240-pin docking port

Battery: 6-cell (4700mAh) lithium ion

Dimensions: 13.7-inches x 10.2-inches x 1.20/1.57-inches
(f/r)

Weight: Starting at 5.9 pounds(1)

Warranty: Three-year standard, limited warranty(11)

About Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. (TAIS)

With headquarters in Irvine, TAIS is comprised of four business units: Digital Products Division, Imaging Systems Division, Storage Device Division, and Telecommunication Systems Division. Together, these divisions provide mobile products and solutions, including industry-leading portable computers; projectors; imaging products for the security, medical and manufacturing markets; storage products for automotive, computer and consumer electronics applications; and telephony equipment and associated applications.

TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of information products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corp., which is a global leader in high technology and integrated manufacturing of electrical and electronic components, products and systems, as well as major infrastructure systems. Toshiba has worldwide sales of over $54 billion and approximately 300 subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. For more information visit the company's Web site at http://www.toshiba.com.

(1) Weight. Weight may vary. See Weight Legal Footnote at
http://www.info.toshiba.com.

(2) Battery Life. May vary considerably from specifications depending
on product model, configuration, applications, power management
settings. See Battery Life Footnote at http://www.info.toshiba.com.

(3) All EasyGuard features (with some exceptions) are integrated into
specific Toshiba notebook models. Not all models will support all
EasyGuard features. See specs for each model individually for
included EasyGuard features.

(4) Spill-Resistant Keyboard. Under Toshiba testing conditions, the
spill-resistant keyboard delayed the time for a water spill to
reach the PC's main board to allow more time to properly close
down the machine. Toshiba's standard, limited warranty terms and
limitations apply. Visit http://www.warranty.toshiba.com for details.

(5) Wireless. May require purchase of additional software, external
hardware, or services. Transmission speeds may vary. See Wireless
Legal Footnote at http://www.info.toshiba.com.

(6) Warranty. The terms and conditions of Toshiba's standard, limited
warranty, extended warranty and service upgrade terms and
conditions are available at http://www.warranty.toshiba.com.

(7) Reseller prices may vary. ESUP means "Estimated Single Unit
Price."

(8) Processor. CPU performance may vary. See Processor Legal Footnote
at http://www.info.toshiba.com.

(9) Graphics. GPU performance may vary. See Graphics Legal Footnote at
http://www.info.toshiba.com.

(10) Memory. Memory size may vary. See Memory Legal Footnote at
http://www.info.toshiba.com.

(11) Hard Disk Drive Capacity. Hard drive capacity may vary. 1
Gigabyte (GB) means 1000 x 1000 x 1000 = 1,000,000,000 bytes
using powers of 10. See Hard Disk Drive Capacity Legal Footnote
at http://www.info.toshiba.com.

(C) 2006 Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. All product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Information including without limitation product prices, specifications, availability, content of services, and contact information is subject to change without notice.

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Marvell Purchases a Piece of Intel

Marvell to Purchase Intel's Communications, Application Processor Business

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. and Intel Corporation today announced that they have signed an agreement for Intel to sell its communications and application processor business to Marvell for a purchase price of $600 million plus the assumption by Marvell of certain liabilities.

The planned sale will give Marvell a strong presence in the growing market segment for processors used in smart handheld devices. The sale also will enable Intel to focus its investments on its core businesses, including high-performance, low-power Intel Architecture-based processors and emerging technologies for mobile computing, including Wi-Fi and WiMAX broadband wireless technologies. The transaction is expected to close in approximately four to five months and is subject to regulatory review and other normal closing conditions.

Intel's communications and application processor business develops and sells processors for handheld devices including smart phones and personal digital assistants. The business' processors, based on Intel XScale technology, include the Intel PXA9xx communications processor, codenamed "Hermon," which powers Research in Motion's (RIM) Blackberry* 8700 device. The Intel PXA27x applications processor, codenamed "Bulverde," is used in the Palm Treo smart phone, the Motorola Q and other devices.

"Marvell and Intel have built a very strong relationship over the past six years and we are very excited to work closely with Intel in transitioning this business into Marvell," stated Dr. Sehat Sutardja, Marvell's chairman, president and CEO. "This transaction presents Marvell with a tremendous opportunity to become a long-term leading supplier in the cell phone and consumer electronics market segments."

"In recent years, Intel has made significant progress and won major customers with this business," said Sean Maloney, Intel executive vice president and general manager, Mobility Group. "The communications and application processor segments continue to present an attractive market opportunity, and we believe this business and its assets are an optimal fit for Marvell. We have a long history of working closely with Marvell and believe it has the ability to grow the business while maintaining customer commitments."

Intel's communications and application processor business includes approximately 1,400 employees involved in a variety of functions, including engineering, product testing/validation, operations and marketing. It is expected that the vast majority of these employees will become employees of Marvell.

Intel currently intends to receive the entire purchase price in cash. However, Intel has the option to take up to $100 million of the $600 million purchase price in Marvell common stock. Upon closing, Marvell may record a one-time charge for purchased in-process research and development expenses. The amount of that charge, if any, has not yet been determined. Intel will provide information regarding the financial impact of the transaction at a later time.

After the close of the transaction, Intel intends to continue manufacturing products currently sold by this business for handheld devices and embedded applications, and to manufacture products that are being designed into upcoming devices. This arrangement is expected to continue while Marvell arranges other manufacturing resources. Intel and Marvell do not anticipate disruptions in the supply of these products due to this planned sale.

This planned sale does not impact the ability of other Intel businesses in the networking and storage market segments to continue to use ARM-based, Intel XScale processors. Those Intel businesses will be able to continue licensing chip designs directly from ARM Holdings PLC and modifying the designs for their needs.

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Free Mobile Coupon Service

Cellfire announced today that its free mobile coupon service is now available to cell phone users across the country. Household-name retailers such as T.G.I. Friday's and Hollywood Video are among the partners deploying the money-saving solution to consumers.

"Cellfire is the first-ever mobile application that allows consumers to save money at their favorite stores, restaurants and entertainment venues," said Brent Dusing, CEO of Cellfire. "Since our regional launch in December, we are seeing remarkable growth in both the number of users and retailers who are excited about embracing this easy-to-use solution."

"There's been talk for years about integrating location with mobile commerce — allowing cell phone subscribers to directly benefit from discounts and promotions at the stores they most often visit," said J. Gerry Purdy, Ph.D., principal analyst with MobileTrax. "Now, Cellfire offers cell phone subscribers the ability to opt-in to promotional programs that provide instant, brand-name coupons in many retail store locations."

Cellfire is a free downloadable application that provides valuable coupons from a host of local and national retailers within the user's geographic region. To browse current offers, consumers click on their phone's Cellfire icon and scroll to the discount of their choice. To redeem the coupon they simply press "Use Now" and show the coupon to the cashier. Because the application resides on the handset it eliminates the need to connect to the Internet during the transaction, allowing for quick checkout times.

Current deals include rent-one-get-one-free from Hollywood Video, a free appetizer at T.G.I. Friday's, as well as numerous discounts from retailers such as 1-800-flowers.com, Carlson Travel and other local retailers.

To get Cellfire, consumers can simply go to www.cellfire.com, text to 22888 from their phones, go to HelloMoto, search "Coupons" from Cingular MEdiaNet or use various other mobile content channels.

Today's news comes after the highly successful beta launch of the service to California customers of wireless carrier Cingular Wireless. Cellfire selected California for the preliminary testing due to several factors: One-tenth of the U.S. population resides in California; the state's tech-intensive economy; and the fact that it is the 5th largest economy in the world.


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BellSouth Selects Alcatel for WiMAX Trial

BellSouth and Alcatel announced today an agreement to trial Alcatel's Evolium WiMAX solution in the BellSouth lab. This agreement comes four months after Alcatel conducted the industry's first live demonstration of the newly ratified WiMAX IEEE 802.16e-2005 standard.

BellSouth, the first major telecom provider to commercially launch wireless broadband using pre-WiMAX technology in the U.S., will begin lab trials next quarter based on Alcatel's standards-based universal WiMAX solution (IEEE 802.16e-2005). The trials will be conducted in the 2.3 GHz WCS spectrum.

WiMAX is a new broadband wireless access technology that enables connectivity through wireless networks for fixed, nomadic or mobile use in urban, suburban and rural areas. The technology offers a cost-effective broadband access alternative where DSL is unavailable for technical or economical reasons, or a last-mile alternative to unbundling for operators who are offering a combination of voice and broadband access offers to the next generation of wireless devices. The 802.16e-2005 WiMAX standard is in fact a more advanced successor to 802.16d-2004 (called "Static WiMAX," or Revision d), and offers superior performance and flexibility in pure fixed deployment scenarios.

Visit BellSouth or Alcatel here

Creative ZEN Vision:M, the new Vaja Classic CR071

Got a NEW Creative ZEN? Vaja has the case and the protection that you need!
Features

Easy access to all functions
Access to Power/ Hold button & headphone jack
Reset button cutout
Access to Sync & charge
Access to Voice Recording
Screen protector
Choose the colors
Choose the clip system
Fully personalizable
Size: 6,49 x 10,67 x 2,50 cms/ 2,56" x 4,20" x 0,98"

Available only at http://www.vajacases.com

ActiveSync plug-in for Bluetooth wireless technology

So you have a 700W now? There are so many features, free downloads and pure enjoyment that awaits you but you need to do a bit of investigating to find out what is available. Palm has a variety of great information on their site....so take advantage of what they have to offer.

For example, did you know that.....

Palm provides a Bluetooth ActiveSync driver which is not found in the standard ActiveSync 4.1 download from Microsoft. The Microsoft custom ActiveSync profile creates a seamless user experience for setting up synchronization over Bluetooth from the ActiveSync program on the desktop computer. The custom profile sets up and activates the serial port profile for synchronizing over Bluetooth so that you do not have to create and associate appropriate COM ports. Install the driver from the CD supplied with your smartphone. Insert the Getting Started CD in order to see the option to install or repair your installation of the ActiveSync plug-in.

Check it out....great stuff awaits you!

Picsel PDF Viewer for Windows Mobile

Picsel PDF Viewer lets you access full, native PDF documents directly from your smartphone, without having to convert or reformat content.

Version 1.1.1 includes optimized memory management for the Treo 700w smartphone to better support the viewing of large, graphically intense documents.

Find out more and get your copy here

Sprite Backup for Treo™ 700w

Sprite Backup is the award winning data protection application for Windows Mobile smartphones.

Simply download the software, install it and begin backing up your mobile information - either to your network, your desktop PC or your memory card.

Take advantage of automatic data protection features. Set your backup schedule and let Sprite Backup automatically protect your data. The self-restoring files will provide a fast recovery in the field when you need it. Backup data is also compressed to reduce the storage used.

Other Features:

Back up to your desktop PC or an expansion card (SD or MMC). 10 times faster than ActiveSync. From your desktop PC, you can restore everything directly to your smartphone .

Select data to Backup and Restore. Select whether to back up or restore everything or exclude certain files, folder or databases.

Automatic backup file management. Sprite Backup can automatically delete old backups according to your settings to prevent unnecessary clutter.

Password Protection. Backup data is encrypted and password protected for your security.

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Treo™ 700w Updater

The Treo 700w Updater installs the latest software on your smartphone. It is designed to update your device while preserving your data. In some instances, user set preferences may not be retained after updating.

What does this update do?

Includes Microsoft®'s Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP) with Direct Push Technology for automatic wireless synchronization of email, calendar, contacts and, now, tasks

Enhances email capabilities for more support of push email solutions, such as WirelessSync and GoodLink™, and of synchronization capabilities, such as the ability to maintain an "always on" data connection after POP or IMAP email synchronization and the ability to auto-synchronize all email accounts based on user setting.

Updated memory management

Pictures and Videos enhancements

New Wireless Manager provides an updated interface for turning wireless radios on and off on your 700w smartphone

This has been posted for a while but if you are new to using the 700W (like I am), you will find it worthwhile. Find out more here.

Gizmo Project 2.0 Now Asterisk PBX-Compatible

New Asterisk support lets mobile professionals be reached
via their office PBX while anywhere in the world

San Diego - CA May 23, 2006 - SIPphone, Inc., developers of the free Internet calling software Gizmo Project, today announced the delivery of Gizmo Project 2.0, highlighted by its support for Asterisk PBX software. Giving Gizmo Project users the ability to log into Asterisk means they can now be universally reachable via their Asterisk PBX or directly through the Gizmo Project network. The option to seamlessly receive calls from their office PBX while anywhere in the world leverages Gizmo Project's advanced NAT ("network address translation"), firewall and router traversal features and server infrastructure. More information about Gizmo Project 2.0 with Asterisk support may be found at www.gizmoproject.com/asterisk.

The benefits of using Asterisk to power an office PBX can be significant in terms of cost savings, efficiency and access to features previously only available to large businesses. Using Gizmo Project as an office softphone lets users easily place calls without the burden of special VoIP phones or the expense of traditional phone call charges. Incoming calls to an office PBX will reach mobile workers anywhere in the world. Gizmo Project also provides such high-end features as voicemail-to-email, free conference calling, call history, free access to millions of people on SIP-based networks, and built-in instant messaging (IM) capabilities.

"Whether a company is focused on a completely free Asterisk PBX installation or is running a premium version, Gizmo Project is now the ideal softphone for use with any size deployment," said Michael Robertson, Chairman and CEO of SIPphone. "Our experience at routing millions of calls through almost any network setup means that mobile computer users can be reached anywhere as if they were physically in their office. Plus, companies save money with low domestic and International calling rates using Gizmo Project," Robertson concluded.

Companies around the world deploying the Asterisk PBX software, premium PBXs developed by such companies as SwitchVox, Epigy, webFones, or any other SIP-based PBXs can now easily use Gizmo Project for making and receiving calls (digy). Specific information about setting up Asterisk for use with Gizmo Project 2.0 may be found at www.gizmoproject.com/setupasterisk.

The free Gizmo Project software for Apple Macintosh, Microsoft Windows and Linux computers delivers crystal clear VoIP calls. Gizmo Project uses licensed, best-of-breed audio codecs such as GIPS and employs media relays around the world to route calls through the most efficient path. Gizmo Project also routes calls through one of several phone partners which provides for the lowest possible per minute International calling rates. PC-to-PC calls are always free.

About SIPphone:
SIPphone is a San Diego, CA-based Voice over IP (VoIP) company founded in 2003 that provides a VoIP platform and directory (.dialtone.) on which any SIP-based hardware or software developer can offer free VoIP service. SIPphone develops the free Gizmo Project softphone and is also a founding member of the IM Federation (IMfederation.com), which promotes interconnects between all networks. SIPphone currently connects with Google's Google Talk and more than a hundred other networks.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information about SIPphone or Gizmo Project, please contact:
Kevin La Rue
VP Marketing
SIPphone, Inc.
Gizmo Project: KLR
Email: kevin.larue@sipphone.com
Phone: 858-356-5451


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SEVEN Signs HP to Push Email Across Europe

HP Preferred Partners to Offer SEVEN Always-On Mail to Enterprise and Consumer iPAQ Users

SEVEN announced a major European reseller partnership with HP. Under the terms of the agreement, HP will promote and sell SEVEN Always-On Mail through its HP Preferred Partner network.

The push-email service is available immediately via over 170 HP Preferred Partners in the UK, Germany, France, Ireland, Austria and Switzerland, with roll-out across the rest of EMEA scheduled for later this year.

SEVEN Always-On Mail adds value to the HP iPAQ Pocket PC by providing highly secure real-time access to emails, attachments and contact and calendar information. The service is currently available on the HP iPAQ hw6500 series, and will be offered as an option on the new HP iPAQ hw6900 Mobile Messenger Series.

In addition to the HP iPAQ, Always-On Mail is available on over 150 mobile devices, more than any other mobile email service.

"HP's agreement with SEVEN provides a great opportunity for our Preferred Partners to create additional revenues and gain competitive advantage in the market," said Jos Brenkel, vice president, HP Solution Partners Organisation, Europe, Middle East and Africa (digy). "Always-On Mail provides them with the opportunity to sell an easy-to-use, simple-to-install email solution that will work across an unrivalled number of devices and platforms."

SEVEN's presence in all the countries in which HP Preferred Partners operate ensures ongoing local support. Combined with SEVEN's competitive introductory offer, it is a compelling solution for both HP Preferred Partners and their customers.

There are three versions of Always-On Mail, ensuring HP Preferred Partners have the right solution to meet each customer's needs;

-- Internet Edition - providing real-time, push-based access for individual users to the most popular personal email services such as Google Mail and Yahoo! Mail

-- Professional Edition - extending the benefits of push-email to small businesses and departments of up to 25 users within enterprises

-- Enterprise Edition - offering a server-based, behind-the-firewall service which provides real-time access to all major corporate email platforms including Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino

Each Always-On Mail edition is supported by end-to-end 128-bit AES encryption for secure user authentication. No data is replicated to third-party servers, and data can be remotely erased from lost or stolen devices.

"HP's decision to promote and sell SEVEN Always-On Mail is a great endorsement of the product. The combination of HP's market-leading device and our proven software adds immediate value to customers and revenue opportunities for its channel," said Paul Hedman, Chief Operating Officer, SEVEN. "This partnership creates a fantastic range of mobility options for customers across Europe, extending the benefits of mobile email to an ever wider range of users. I believe it will be a great success."

About SEVEN

SEVEN is a global provider of software that enables mobile operators, Internet email providers and service providers to offer their subscribers secure, low-cost, real-time access to business and personal email applications. SEVEN's software is specialized to meet the unique needs and requirements of the Fortune 500 enterprise, the small-to-medium organization, workgroups, individual professionals and consumers. SEVEN's software supports all major device platforms, including BREW, J2ME, Microsoft Pocket PC, Microsoft Smartphone 2003, Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, Palm OS and Symbian-based phones, and currently ships on over 150 mobile phone models manufactured by Hitachi, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Sanyo, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba. SEVEN is available today across major international network standards, and has been chosen by 90 leading service providers and mobile operators worldwide including: including Alltel, Cingular Wireless, Globe Telecom, Hutchison, KDDI Corp., NTT DoCoMo, O2, Optus, Orange, SingTel, Sprint Nextel, Telefonica Moviles, Telenor Group, Telkom Indonesia, Vimpelcom and Yahoo!. SEVEN is a global company headquartered in Redwood City, CA, USA, with local offices around the globe.

For additional information, visit www.seven.com.

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A $5 router - build a network block-by-block

What is FON?
FON is a WiFi revolution. Their objective: to build a Wifi world. Their method: to permit all users to synchronize their access points into one: FON. Pay for connection at home; connect anywhere. Join the FON movement!

Who is FON?
FON is an integration of those wanting to contribute to free universal communication and solidarity. They are a usernet growing larger every time they exchange part of their bandwidth for the ability to connect to the bandwidth of other FON members, in every moment from every location in the world.

Sounds pretty cool and judging from the sudden increase in subscribers...it has a chance. You can learn more here...hey, you might even decide to join.

Have a Q? Try the CoPilot Live Motorola Q Edition GPS Software

So you bought that Q and now you want a GPS software to use with it. GPSCheap.com has a total solution for you that is worth looking at.

CoPilot Live Motorola Q Edition GPS Software with Bluetooth GPS and 1GB SD Card

Plug-and-Drive CoPilot Live 6 GPS navigation software including our award-winning CoPilot Bluetooth GPS receiver with the SiRFstarIII chipset for the fastest time-to-first-fix; software and street-level map data for the U.S. and Canada pre-loaded on a 1 GB MiniSD card.

The Motorola® Q is built for mobility and delivers everything you need without compromise while you’re on-the-go. With CoPilot Live 6 you can take full advantage of the Q's powerful processor and robust Window Mobile® operating system to create an advanced GPS navigation system. Connect our award-winning CoPilot Bluetooth GPS receiver to quickly acquire your exact position anywhere on the globe.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

Our latest CoPilot Live 6 software

Voice guided, turn-by-by directions

Full motion 3D map display with Mileage Markers, Moving Maps, and turn arrows that highlight the way ahead

No cell phone reception or monthly service fee required; all software and maps are loaded directly onto your device

1 GB Plug-and-Drive packages include all software and maps pre-loaded onto a 1 GB MiniSD card—just insert the MiniSD card and drive!

Customizable Routing Profiles give you complete control over what kind of roads CoPilot prefers (highways, local roads, etc.)

Change Voices on the fly: choose between male or female, pre-recorded voices

ADVANCED FEATURES INCLUDE:

NEW! Enhanced 3D Map Display with Mileage Markers, Moving Maps, and turn arrows that highlight the way ahead

NEW! Customizable Routing Profiles give you complete control over what kind of roads CoPilot prefers (highways, local roads, etc.)

NEW! Ability to create and share your own voice or download new voice sets as they become available

NEW! Change Voices on the fly between the included male and female or select from any additional voice sets you have created/downloaded

NEW! Easier Points of Interest Importing and support for widely available 3rd party OV2 formats

NEW! Fully compatible with the Windows Mobile 5 operating system

IMPROVED! RV Routing uses 12'6" height restrictions on highways and overall routing has been refined based on user feedback

IMPROVED! Automatic Bluetooth GPS set-up avoids the need for complex configuration

CORE FEATURES INCLUDE:

Dynamic Route Guidance: Provides voice guided, turn-by-turn directions to any address.

Automatic Route Recalculation: Directions are updated every second. If you miss a turn, you get new directions instantly.

Voice Instructions: Clear, spoken instructions give you plenty of warning before each turn.

Basic Routing Options let you easily select between Quickest, Shortest, RV as well as offering a Toll Avoidance option.

Detour and Avoid Roads: Gets you around unexpected traffic or street congestion and lets you avoid roads.

SMARTPHONE FEATURES INCLUDE:

POI Alerts notify you when you're approaching gas stations, restaurants or rest areas.

Night Mode reduces glare and eye strain to improve night time safety.

Large Map Display combines a large map view with concise text directions.

Route-Over Highlighting clearly defines the route ahead.

Auto-Zoom 2D map view options include current location to Next Turn or Destination - when selected, CoPilot progressively zooms in on the map as you approach either your Next Turn or Destination.

Driver Safety Screen toggles between an all-text display and a full-map view.
Routing Options have been expanded to include Auto Quickest, Auto Shortest, RV Quickest, RV Shortest and Toll Avoidance.

Customizable Display lets you decide which pieces of navigation information are displayed on CoPilot Live's screen. You can choose among Current Road, Crossroad, Current Time, Speed, Elevation, Nearest Town, Next Major Road, Time Left in Trip, Heading and Destination.

Waypoints let you tailor your route preferences and allow you to pass through a particular area on the way to your final destination.

Guidance Mode provides voice guided, turn-by-turn directions.

Walking Mode enables you to make the most out of CoPilot when on foot.

Planning Mode gives you the ability to pre-plan and optimize routes before driving.

Lane Change Warnings alert you to upcoming left exits, ensuring that you have plenty of time to safely get to the proper side of the highway.

Side of Street Notification tells you which side of the street your destination is on, making it easier to locate the right building when you arrive.

Pick Stops from the map - tap and hold a road to add an address as a stop.

Route Optimization re-orders your stops in the most efficient manner.

DESKTOP FEATURES INCLUDE:

CoPilot includes a free Trip Planning application that can be distributed to any friends and family for use on their desktop or laptop PCs.

POI Import capability allows you to import and manage custom Points-of-Interest. Build your own POI database from personal contacts, popular destinations, or third-party lists.

Fuel Cost Wizard lets you calculate your gas expenditure when planning trips.
Regionalized POIs mean you can download only the Points-of-Interest that are within your chosen map area, saving you space while giving you access to more than 3 million POIs across the country.

LIVE FEATURES INCLUDE:

Powerful navigation features give you the freedom to explore. Real-time Communication gives you the peace of mind that comes with always being connected. Live features are optional and are only usable when you have a wireless internet connection on your Motorola Q*

Text Messages sent from home or office to the vehicle include large, customizable, one-touch responses to ensure driver safety.
Real-Time Tracking of your travels by friends, family and loved ones over a secure Internet connection.

Itinerary Updates including new stops and revised destinations, allow you to coordinate changes to your plans without having to pull over and enter new information.

Communication now includes Live vehicle tracking via the Internet*

* To use Live Features you will need a data service plan through your wireless carrier.

BLUETOOTH GPS RECEIVER:

Quick Hit Specifications:

Chipset: SiRFstarIII
Channels: 20 Channels all-in-view tracking
WAAS-enabled: Yes
Connection Type: Bluetooth
Position Update: 1/sec
Accuracy: Autonomous <10m, SBAS <5m
Time to First Fix:
Reacquision: 0.1 sec.
Hot Start: <1 sec., on average
Warm Start: <15 sec., on average
Cold Start: <35 sec., on average
Battery: Lithium-Ion rechargeable
Charge Life: 6 hours, on average
Time to Charge: 1 hour, on average

What's Included

This package includes a pre-loaded SD card that makes setting up your GPS nav system as easy as inserting the MiniSD card into your Motorola. The full CoPilot Live software CD set is included so that you can load our Desktop Trip Planner to your personal computer (optional).

1 GB MiniSD card pre-loaded with software and street-level map data for the U.S. and Canada

CoPilot Bluetooth GPS receiver with the SiRFstarIII chipset
In-vehicle mounting hardware
12-volt in-vehicle power adapter
Printed Quick Start Guide
1 Install Disc
1 Data Disc with street level detail for the U.S. and Canada

User's Guide available as a PDF in desktop software

Note: Please review the system requirements as additional hardware is sometimes necessary to use CoPilot Live.
System Requirements

General Device Requirements

Motorola Q

Desktop/Laptop Requirements
The desktop/laptop requirements below are ONLY necessary if you intend to install our Desktop Trip Planner (optional).

Windows 2000, ME, XP
400 MHz processor or better
128 MB RAM
16X CD-ROM
225 MB available hard disc space

GPSCHEAP SKU: COP0062
MFG#: CLMOTQ-1GB-BT
Stock: Pre-Order

Our Price: $399.00

Get your "Q" edition here from GPSCheap.com


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GPS Units Targeted for Theft

So what do you do with your GPS when you arrive at your destination? ....I usually just shut mine off, lock the car and go about my business.

However a recent article has started to make me think twice about what I do and maybe it will make you think about what you do. Recent crime statistics show that the theft of accessories from cars has dramatically increased while theft of cars has remained to be about what it was in 2004.

So why is that you say? Probably because there are sophisticated tracking devices in more and more cars today and probably because some accessories are big ticket items and are very easy to resell. GPS units can range from $500 to $2000 and they are a "hot" item today.

Is it enough to just take the GPS off the suction cup cradle and hide it under the seat? I think I would rather just unsnap the clip on the suction cup and place the entire assembly in the trunk of the car. Of course, if your GPS was integrated into your Windows Mobile phone, this issue would not exist as long as you don't leave your phone in the car......

What do you do?

The GSM F88 - Just Too Cool!

Mobile Whack via PCOnline posted a story on this cool watch...err...phone.

CEC Corp in China specially made this wrist watch phone to one of the China’s most famous ping pong player, the GSM F88 Watch.

I liked it so much I decided to post the pic and the link for you to go see it. Hey...I liked it!

iPod Shuffle Blinking? It Could Be Bad News!

Stuart J. Johnston from PC World wrote an article on how "Some owners search for help after Apple USB music players flash alternating LEDs and then die.

In part, this is what Stuart had to say:

A single topic on Apple's iPod Shuffle support forum has garnered more than 36,000 visits since late October, according to statistics posted on the forum index page. Dubbed "Green and Orange flashing lights," the thread stretches on for more than 550 posts.

Flashing green and amber lights on the popular gum-pack-size music player indicate that a generic "error" has occurred, according to Apple's documentation. But most of the problem-related posts on the Apple forum are from people whose Shuffles have suddenly died

I wonder if Apple really knew there was a problem. As you look at the picture above (taken from the Apple site) it seems to be indicating that you're going to eventually have a problem when they say: Enjoy uncertainty.


You can read Stuart's article here on PC World.

Review: Logitech mm28 Portable Speakers an A+ Performance Audio Solution

Thin for portability
Classic in design
Rich in sound

Like most of you, I have acquired an immense collection of CDs and have enjoyed listening to them over the years. I started the process of being able to Experience Mobility using a Sony Walkman CD player. It was great but carrying a collection of CDs was near to impossible. Like most folks, I would decide what CDs I wanted for a trip, take them out of their cases and slide them in a couple of CD cases I had that could carry a rather large number of CDs without having to carry the bulk of all those plastic CD cases.

Over time though, that got old and a real pain but all of a sudden we were able to convert those songs to files we could play on our mobile devices and for many of us, we started acquiring dedicated players to allow ourselves the ability to carry immense collections as we traveled. Now we had the ability to listen to music all day with a variety of different genres of music.

Rarely do I think about the old days now…I just grab my player and listen to the music of my choice. But there is a rub....how we listen to the music....HEADSETS....some are large cups we have that fit over our ears producing great sounds and weighing us down as we try to walk, jog or just sit and relax. Some are small little buds that we push into our ears hoping to get that same rich experience we get with the larger more expensive models. Of course, we could invest in a set of very expensive earbuds but I’m just not sure that I want to spend $500 for a set of plugs. Frankly, I really don’t like any kind of headset…I’ve yet to find one that is comfortable and produces a rich sound similar to the sound system I have at home.

But the truth of the matter is that if I want to listen to my collection of music while I try to Experience Mobility, I have little choice as to what I can use. Oh, don’t get me wrong, there are some great sounding headsets out there but I just don’t like them. I think it is because they tend to isolate me from my environment and I need to be aware of all that is going on. Maybe it is a claustrophobic thing…I’m not sure but what I am sure about is that Logitech has come up with an incredible solution for me while I am on the road.



The Logitech mm28 Portable Speakers are an incredibly thin set of speakers, about an inch and a quarter in thickness, that produce a rich sound comparable to many high end speakers. These speakers use NXT flat panel technology where the entire surface of the unit is a stereo speaker producing incredibly rich sound and a really quite unbelievable base.

Just as a point of information, NXT has its roots in the world-renowned British audio industry. In 1997, NEC used NXT technology in a laptop having flat panel speakers slide out from each side of the screen. Today, in excess of 250 companies throughout the world license speaker technology from NXT. They have created well over 200 NXT-based products creating radical audio solutions that provide the ultimate in audio performance and yet provide the aesthetic appearance that you want in your audio system.

When I first heard of these speakers, I was amazed at what they were saying...NXT flat-panel technology - excellent stereo sound - enhanced bass for a rich experience. The “flat panel” had me very intrigued because that meant portability and if it was going to enhance my ability to Experience Mobility it was worth looking into especially if Logitech had decided to use the best materials in the construction of the flat panel.

NXT has had portable speakers on the market for four or five years, but the brand companies did not invest in the panel material or the ID and so the products never sounded that good. The very first speakers used foam supports on the edge of the panel, which effectively prevented the whole panel from moving as a rigid piston and there was poor bass as a result.

The MM28 is different because it uses a better panel material, the panel is mounted on the “compliant rubber surround”, which allows it to move freely and produce bass. The one panel reproduces bass as the transducers move in unison at low frequencies and independently at mid and high frequencies. You get stereo separation because the mid and high frequencies are more localized around the area of the two transducers. The result - you get as good a stereo as a conventional speaker with similarly spaced speakers. Because of the way the NXT speaker reproduces sound, you get better off-axis performance. The result is that the room is filled with sound and where you sit is not as critical….definitely cool!

The folks at NXT like to use this analogy when talking about the technology embraced in their flat panels. “The panel is like the sounding board of a stringed instrument, like a violin or guitar which has been specially tuned to have a great sound. We then put musical energy into the panel with a transducer and the resultant sound is open and omni-directional; filling the room – like a violin or guitar.”

I keep saying how much packaging means to me when I get something new, it tells me a little about the company in how much they care about their product and frankly, the anticipation of opening something is enhanced when you are looking at it from the outside. This package was no exception but what else would you expect from a Logitech product…they take pride in their products and it shows.

Removing the speaker from its well cushioned Styrofoam encasement, I was immediately impressed with the look. A long, thin, oval shaped device dark gray in color with a clear plastic cover covering a light grey NXT flat panel. The Logitech logo was subtly placed in the center of the flat panel. There were semi circular marks on either end of the flat panel for design.

Opening the clear plastic cover, it rotates to serve as a stand for the speakers. As you open it, you notice a rubber band that serves to prevent the cover from scratching as well as provide a cushion effect for the speaker as it sits flat on a table.



When you rotate the cover and set the speaker down, you notice that the flat panel is attached to the dark gray case with a “compliant rubber surround”, much like on a cone speaker. This “compliant surround” allows the whole panel to move as a rigid piston at low frequencies, which is why this speaker has such great low end sound for its size. I would guess that it also prevents the sounds from being absorbed from the case itself. The flat panel is not that thin covering you find on the speakers we have been used to but rather a firmer material that appears as if it might take some reasonable abuse…although, I am not going to test that theory.

The panel material is 1mm thick and is a laminate, the front and rear surface are aluminum and there is a rigid high density foam core. This material was chosen for the panel because of its robustness – so you don’t need a grille. It will take being knocked about a bit – even if it gets dented the speaker will still work! And NO, I am not going to purposely dent my speaker just to tell you that they still work and sound great. I’ll just take the word of the folks from NXT that it’s true.

The folks at NXT are constantly on the search for materials like the one used in the MM28. Another alternative is acrylic but it does not have the same high frequency extension as the aluminum panel used with the mm28. Brookstone has a Wafer-Thin CD/ MP-3 Shelf System that uses NXT speakers. They used acrylic, it sounded great in the store and it definitely looked cool.

The mm28 power on/off button is centered at the top and glows a neon blue color while the power is on. The bottom of the device has two sturdy hinges holding the cover in place. There is a plug that firmly attaches the body and cover portions of the hinges. The plugs can easily be removed if you choose to not have the cover. It might have been a nice option to have a slot on the back of the speaker for wall hanging although I am reasonably sure that would have a dramatic effect of the sound.

I say that because although I am really very impressed with the sound wherever I have located the speakers, there is a very definite difference in sound quality when I have then sitting on a large wooden table top…at least that was my perception. While speaking with the folks at NXT, they indicated that my perception was correct. They explained that when I placed the speaker on table, it was extending the path from the back of the speaker to the front of the speaker. “In simple terms, at low frequencies the panel produces positive pressure at the front and negative pressure at the back. Physics dictates that we need equilibrium so the air from the front and back try and combine and cancel each other out. The longer it takes these two pressures to cancel out the more bass extension you will get”.

Today I went for a short journey in my canoe. I had the speakers sitting on the bottom of the canoe, sound reasonably cranked (reasonable to me that is) enjoying the wonders of a calm lake. As I returned my wife said she heard me coming…I said: “but honey … I was paddling quietly”. “Yeah!” she said! I wonder if the sound was resonating through the fiberglass canoe over the lake.

The “guts” of the speakers are housed in a case a little over an inch thick. The case is a dark gray and has that “rubberized” coating like you see in today’s automobiles. It gives it a nice feel, resists scratching, is easily cleanable and I am sure it has some effect of the sound.



The back of the case has 120 holes that allow for the distribution of sound. These holes allow the rear sound waves to travel through the case. If there were no holes (which I simulated by placing the speaker flat on my desk), there was a loss of bass and an effect on the clarity of the vocals.

The folks at NXT told me that the holes allow the speaker to breath – plus they let an extra 3dB of sound radiate from the rear of the speaker. …that is cool! Although you get sound from the rear of the speaker, the high frequencies will only come from the front; this is because the transducers that drive the speaker are driving sound forward.

There is a power jack for a 6V power supply if you ever run out of battery power….which seems unlikely to me. In my initial testing, I have changed the batteries three times. The first change was after a recorded 52 hours of play time, the second was at 55 hours and I am still using the third set. I have only used “copper top” batteries so I imagine that I would exceed my play time significantly if I used the Ultra Digital Duracell batteries.

The input cable is approximately 14.5 inches long and uses a 3.5 mm jack. I would have liked to see them package an adapter jack for those devices that use the smaller input jacks. They did a nice job allowing for the cable to neatly be stored within a grove that encircles the back of the case. It fits easily, snugly, and allows for the cord to be totally recessed….nicely done!

So, that’s it…a pretty simple description of an extraordinary sound reproduction system. I have been absolutely amazed at the sound quality that has been reproduced as I play my favorite songs. Of course, sound quality is dependent on the type of recording you use. Virtually all of my files have been made from CD’s that I own and have recorded at a high quality. I have been very impressed with the sound quality of my Verizon V-cast music files and can only assume that those of you that use iTunes would be as satisfied.

Throughout my listening experience whether it was with my iPAQ, my DVD player, or my MP3 player, the sound emitted from the Logitech mm28 Portable Speakers was extraordinary. A unique system, setup and designed to give an instantaneous sound experience wherever you go. You will be absolutely amazed at the sound that is produced from the NXT flat panel speakers....truly a richness in sound that you will thoroughly enjoy.

The compact design with a flip over cover makes this device a truly portable sound solution. The care taken to give you a device that maximizes battery life gives you hours of listening pleasure wherever you are. This is one electronic gadget accessory you don’t want to be without!

Cost: $59.99

Pros

Small, truly portable
Well Designed, superior quality
Extraordinary sound
Great battery life

Cons

No ability to mount on a wall
No 2.5 adapter jack supplied

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

You can find your set of Logitech mm28 speakers here


Did you see my video preview of the Logitech mm28 speakers?
If not, you can see it here. Check it out and see my reaction to the incredible sound as I turn it on for the first time!


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