Monday, October 09, 2006

Nokia's aeon --- a very neat NEW concept device

 Engadgets Conrad Quilty-Harper posted an item today on Nokia's aeon "full surface screen" cellphone concept.This is a very cool concept device...I think I want one!

Nokia's research and development team have kicked it up a gear with an attractive "aeon" concept phone showing up in the R&D section of the company's website. The most prominent design feature of aeon is a touchscreen that stretches over the full surface area of the phone, similar to BenQ-Siemens's Black box concept phone we saw recently. Currently mobile technology isn't quite up to realizing this fantasy, but we'll sleep better tonight knowing that at least one of the cellphone industry's biggest names shares the same dream as we do -- BenQ's dream didn't count, unfortunately.

Source: Engadget Mobile via Mobilitysite

Could watching TV on your cell have dramatic effects on battery life?

Daimaou from Akihabara News seems to think so with this post he put up.  Princeton Japan has a new external battery to recharge your iPod, phone, or any other device able to recharge thru their USB port.  Daimaou said: It seems our friends over in Japan are starting to feel the after effects of watching TV on their phones ... I tend to agree!

Check out the the PMB-BP18 on Akihabara News  here.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Microsoft Device Emulator 1.0

Developers use emulators to check the programs they are developing but you can use one too even if you do not develop anything but want to test a new program before you place it on your Pocket PC.  And if by chance there is someone reading this that does NOT have a Pocket PC, this is a great way to experiment and learn a little more about the Pocket PC platform.

I must warn you that the download is HUGE....but it is a cool program to have.  So if you decide to check it out, start the download, go have a snack and come back and enjoy.

From the Microsoft site: 

The Microsoft Device Emulator 1.0 is a standalone version of the same ARM based Device Emulator that ships as part of Visual Studio 2005. The standalone emulator is intended for situations when you want to demonstrate or test your application on a computer that does not have Visual Studio 2005 installed. In addition, we are offering the Windows Mobile 5.0 MSFP operating system images that you can use with the Device Emulator.
Device Emulator 1.0 has a number of features that make it significantly better than its predecessor (the x86 emulator). You will find that it:

  • Runs code compiled for ARM processors rather than for x86 processors. In most cases, you can run the same binaries on the emulator as you do on the device.
  • Supports synchronizing with ActiveSync. You can use the Device Emulator with a full ActiveSync partnership. This feature allows you to debug applications that are syncing, or be able to use real synchronized data from within the Device Emulator.
  • Provides support for more development environments. The emulator has been tested for developing and debugging applications with Visual Studio 2005, Visual Studio .NET 2003, and with eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0 (eVC4) SP4, all using ActiveSync. No crossover serial cable is required.
  • The Device Emulator supports GAPI. You can write and debug GAPI games on the Device Emulator and expect them to work.

Source: Download details: Microsoft Device Emulator 1.0

It's all about the idea...

Can you imagine... have an idea, start a service, LOSE money and get an offer for a $1.6 billion buyout!

It's all about community and that is what YouTube created as they established a cultural phenomenon with the launch of YouTube last December.  But in a twist, Chad Hurley, one of the founders , has indicated that he prefers to stay independent....Chad, wake up...the ride won't last forever.

Check out this article at the New York Times

Mobile Media - Logitech mm28 at its best!

Mike, a member over at Mobilitysite, sent a note today that he was able to get a terrific deal on a set of Logitech mm28 speakers at CompUSA.  In part, Mike said:

Hey Jack I watched your review when you first posted it and was impressed. The price was the only thing that I wasn't sure about. Just my luck I found the mm28 speakers at a CompUSA that was closing for $26! I bought them on the spot. You may have seen them on the Mobility Site iPOD/Zune photo contest, they are the ones on the fork lift (ID mlh1962).

I know how LOUD these speakers are and I am convinced that everyone at Mike's work place knows too!

If you have not seen the video preview I did, check it out here and of course, you can read the written review here.

You might want to head over to Mobilitysite to see some other great shots that others have submitted for the Mobility Site iPOD/Zune photo contest: Mobility Site Gallery

Thanks Ed Holloway!

 

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Palm Treo 750v - Review

Sandra Vogel from CNET Asia has a review of the Palm 750V.  She liked the keyboard, thought it had plenty of memory and was happy with the SMS continuous chat view.

She was disappointed with the small screen although I can't help but believe that after using it for a while, she will not even think about it.  She felt that the lack of Wi-Fi was a concern but again, I believe that will prove to be a minor issue that can easily be resolved with a Wi-Fi card like the one Socket currently has.

 Sandra said:

The Treo 750v is the first Windows Mobile device from Palm we have seen in Asia, and the company simply had to do well with it. On the usability front it has succeeded, though there are some things that annoy us -- like the small screen.

Check out Sandra's review of the Palm Treo 750v here

Transcend Releases its 8GB SDHC High-Capacity Secure Digital Card

 

Can you imagine...an 8GB high-capacity SDHC.

Clearly the popular flash memory standard in the world now, and the SD High-Capacity is the new generation of SD cards (Version 2.0).  Formatted in FAT32, SDHC cards reach a maximum capacity of 32GB and can fulfill the high-capacity demand of the new SDHC devices.

 

Source: Transcend Website

Friday, October 06, 2006

...but, check out this entry

Aving USA had this item up which gives you reason to think twice about just player you might want to get.

KNC announced the launch of MP4 Player 'HR-28' in China market. It provides following services: movie, music, game, image viewer, photo, video file.
This can be connected into TV to play all kinds of contents such as video file, movie bookmark equipped with 3.6' 1600 megafixel LTPS screen.
Also supports MP3, WMA, FLAC music files and MPEG4 AVI video files.

And then I saw that Engadget had it up with this important tidbit:

While the amount of goodies crammed into the HR-2800 may garner praise, the real applause goes to the price -- at just CNY999 ($127), we've got to wonder if these KNC folks aren't just skimming the market.

Source: AVING USA  , Engadget

Zune - I think I like it

Each time I see a little more about Microsoft's new entry into the music/video market, the more I like it.  I saw another video today that I caught on PVRWire and thought I'd share it.  I am not sure when this video was made but I had not seen it so it sparked an interest.

We are slightly more than a month away from the launch.....I wish them well!

 

...and I thought it was a Maine delicacy

Paul over at MoDoCo did a review on the the Virgin Mobile Lobster 700.  I thought for a moment that he had changed the direction of his site and became a food critic(only kidding).

Typical of Paul's work, this is a comprehensive look into the Lobster 700 that you want to check out. Part of Paul's final thoughts were:

The Virgin Mobile Lobster 700 is an extremely well priced, not unattractive Smartphone that is a welcome introduction of Windows Mobile to the Virgin Mobile network. The device itself has a generous memory quota, a good, bang up to date software build, and plenty of room for expansion. The screen is bright and crisp, and the device feels good in the hand.

Raging Thunder - Speed and Fun

Filao posted an interesting game on Geekzone that sparked an interest in me...you might like it too.

Take control of one of the three racing cars of Raging Thunder and feel power and adrenalin in your blood. Drive at top speed on a variety of tracks set in different beautifully realized environments.Be good and upgrade your car, unlock racing circuits and challenge stronger opponents. Enjoy the immersive gameplay mechanics, the precise controls and the rich, beautiful graphics of Raging Thunder and play for 10 minutes or for hours with the same excitement!!

...but Toshiba might have the solution

Toshiba showed off some prototypes at CEATAC 2006 to demonstrate the fruit of their many years of labor....fuel cells are coming, but when?  Check out Paul Miller's piece at Engadget. 

I'll bet Sony wished they were producing this type of battery.  Cool stuff is coming.....

....and now Hitachi

Hitachi has joined the ranks of recalled Sony batteries even though there have been no reported problems.  They are planning on recalling 16,000 batteries used in Japanese market Flora 210W and Flora SE210 notebooks.

It appears as if this move is nothing more than an attempt to provide peace of mind to Hitachi customers. With 7.5 million Sony batteries recalled, it is no wonder why  Sony is NOT reducing the PSP prices...they need to pay for this somehow....whew!

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Free Vista coupon expected in Australia

Rob Irwin from ARN reported today that there have been confirmed reports that Microsoft is on the verge of announcing a free Windows Vista upgrade plan for Windows XP-based PCs sold between this month and March 2007.

Expected to be called the Express Upgrade program, the coupon would apply to PCs shipping Windows XP Professional and Windows Media Center only, industry sources said under condition of anonymity.

Best Buy to launch music service with Real, Sandisk

Yinka Adegoke posted an item today on Reuters indicating that Best Buy Co. Inc. aims to take digital music to a wider audience by introducing a music player and subscription service with partners SanDisk Corp. and RealNetworks Inc..

Best Buy, the top U.S. consumer electronics retail chain, is hoping to use the broad reach of its stores to compete with Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod music player and iTunes digital download store.

The company said it would use Real's Rhapsody subscription service, hand-in-hand with a new line of SanDisk Sansa digital music players, much in the way that iPods work with iTunes.

Source: Reuters.com

Sony won't cut PSP price in '06

Sony Corp does not expect to cut the U.S. price of its PSP handheld game system for the rest of 2006, and the number of available games will nearly double to about 230 in that time, Sony said on Thursday.

Sony introduced the PSP, or PlayStation Portable, in 2005 in a bundled package that included several accessories and has sold some 5.5 million units in the United States. Currently it sells the device for $200 without some original add-ons, as well as a $250 package including the device, a movie and a memory card.

Source:  Reuters.com

Resco Sokoban and Resco Sudoku for Smartphone

NEW applications from Resco for WM for SmartPhone

Resco Sokoban (v2.00) for Motorola Q and Samsung i320, i607 SmartPhones

- released in October 4th 2006

(try it before buying)
Description: http://www.resco.net/smartphone/sokoban/default.asp

Trial version at: http://www.resco.net/smartphone/sokoban/downloads.asp

 

Resco Sudoku (v2.31) for SmartPhone

-released in September 14th 2006

(try it before buying)
Description: http://www.resco.net/smartphone/sudoku/default.asp

Trial version at: http://www.resco.net/smartphone/sudoku/downloads.asp

Blue Parrott Roadwarrior - Comfort & Reliability

 

New BlueParrott Roadwarrior B150-TK Wireless Bluetooth Cell Phone Headset for Truck Drivers

Addressing the demand in the trucking industry for wireless headsets that block road and engine noise, VXI Corporation has introduced the BlueParrott Roadwarrior B150-TK wireless Bluetooth headset for Bluetooth enabled cellular phones. This product is specifically designed to handle the challenges faced by truck drivers using cell phones. The noise-canceling microphone effectively blocks road and engine noise. The longwearing comfort and stability of over-the-head styling and professional grade durability equips the B150TK headset to withstand life on the road.

Simply pair the B150TK headset with your Bluetooth enabled cell phone (or Bluetooth enabled computer) and enjoy a wireless connection of up to 33 feet.

"Not only does the BlueParrott Roadwarrior B150-TK wireless headset give drivers comfort and greater freedom of movement by letting them be completely hands free, but it incorporates unsurpassed microphone performance giving them professional sounding calls free from the distraction of background noise. Now drivers won't need to yell to be heard over the engine when fueling. If you've ever tried those tiny over-the ear-headsets, you know that not only do they sound terrible, but also they pinch, hurt and fall off! Our headsets are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably, and securely on your head," said Lisa Keslar, Director of Marketing, VXI Corporation.

The BlueParrott B150TK includes the headset and both the vehicle accessory charging cord and an AC power adaptor for the wall. This makes it easy to charge the headset in the truck or at home.

The BlueParrott Roadwarrior B150-TK headset is offered at a highly competitive suggested retail price of $124.50 and is backed by an industry-leading two-year warranty.

VXI's products may be viewed on their websites at http://www.blueparrott.com, http://www.vxicorp.com, http://www.vxivoip.com and http://www.vxiinternational.com

Click read more below to see the full news item

RAZR V3i - Pretty is the wrong word to use

Pretty

Pretty good battery life

Pretty confusing

Pretty much of a poor device...

Sascha Segan has a new review up on the Motorola RAZR V3i and he PRETTY much slammed it....

Much like a stale piece of last year's birthday cake dressed up with a fresh dollop of whipped cream, the Motorola RAZR V3i is a lame attempt to disguise an old product with new fixings. The handset duplicates 2004's hot RAZR platform without really updating it—and makes all the same mistakes of the company's doomed ROKR E1 iTunes music phone.

Check out Sascha's thoughts here

Slick is NOT the word....

...this is absolutely UFB!

jk over at jkOnTheRun posted a very slick item that was up on SLASHGEAR on

Synaptics Onyx Concept: Live Demo Captured on Video!

So I decided to wander over and saw an incredible concept phone that will in my mind be a killer device.  The functionality that the Onyx provides is just unreal!

Check it out...you will NOT be disappointed!

Sprint - launching more choices

Sprint Announces Availability of MOTOKRZRTM, MOTORAZRTM and MOTOSLVRTM with Advanced Capabilities

Sprint announced plans to launch the latest Motorola handset, MOTOKRZR; the popular MOTORAZR; and the candy-bar style handset, MOTOSLVR. Harnessing the speed of Sprint’s Power VisionSM EVDO network, Sprint’s MOTOKRZR, MOTORAZR and MOTOSLVR will enable customers to access the latest news, music and entertainment content at broadband-like speeds.

On Sprint’s Power VisionSM network, MOTOKRZR, MOTORAZR and MOTOSLVR will be the only versions of these handsets to offer access to:

NFL Mobile, a Sprint-exclusive wireless application that brings fans access to same-day video highlights, customizable real-time statistics, scores, injury reports and other information updated every two seconds.

Sprint TVSM with more than 50 channels of live television and on-demand video and audio. Sprint Movies, the first “pay-per-view” service for mobile phones in the U.S. that streams full-length movies, including recent box-office hits and timeless favorites from Buena Vista VOD, Lionsgate, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures. Sprint Movies offers a growing list of more than 45 titles, including “National Treasure,” “Spider-Man 2” and “Scarface.” Sprint Music StoreSM, which allows users to browse and wirelessly download full-length songs directly to their phone.

Sprint Power View, the industry’s first made-for-mobile sports and entertainment video programming network.

Just recently announced by Motorola as the next generation of the world-renowned MOTORAZR, MOTOKRZR is made with elegant and robust materials, including magnesium, polished chrome and hardened glass. The solid glass on the front – a technological breakthrough and a first for a large-volume handset – results in a fashionable, high-gloss luster balancing the soft velvet-like finish on the back.
Sprint’s MOTOKRZR, MOTORAZR and MOTOSLVR are expected to be available by early November. Customers can register at www.Sprint.com/MOTOKRZR to be contacted about purchasing MOTOKRZR as soon as it becomes available. All three devices will offer advanced features including high-quality cameras, Phone as Modem (PAM) capabilities, Bluetooth® wireless technology and Telenav® GPS application offering turn-by-turn driving directions.

“As a leader in wireless innovation, Sprint is pleased to offer our customers these popular, attractive handsets with cutting-edge features like live television, over-the-air music downloads and full-length movies,” said Oliver Valente, senior vice president of product development for Sprint. “Sprint is proud of our long relationship with Motorola. We look forward to adding KRZR, RAZR and SLVR to our portfolio very soon.”

Customers purchasing the KRZR, RAZR or SLVR as a replacement for an existing mobile phone are encouraged to donate their current phone, battery and accessories to Sprint Project Connect. Donated equipment, regardless of make, model or service provider, will be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner or refurbished and resold with proceeds benefiting K-12 education. More information, including a prepaid mailing label, can be found at www.sprint.com/projectconnect.

For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

 

Click read more below to see the full news item

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Would you use a vending machine?

Again, this is a old news item but the clip was good.  I am testing a new service to see if it is a viable option for the site.  It is ad supported so I need to know if the short ad is worth watching if the clip is of value.  Your thoughts are very appreciated.....thanks.

Shoppers craving the latest Motorola cell phones and accessories will be able to buy them at automated sales machines being installed in nearly two dozen malls and airports nationwide.

Do you think you would buy a phone this way?  I guess if it were an emergency it is a neat option but I'm not sure it is one that I would use...how about you?

What is unique with Zune?

I saw this very short video and thought I'd share it as well test out a new service that I might use for video clips.  Pardon the very brief ad in the beginning....it's the price you pay for the video.  I would appreciate your comments to help me decide how often to use these clips.

Microsoft Corp.'s effort to compete against apple's ipod juggernaut will focus on the idea that people want to be able to easily share music with friends and others. Zune marketing general manager Chris Stephenson talks about the new product.

Vidiator Launches POW!

Sprint is First to Offer the Channel, which Features Animated Video from the Co-creator of Spider-Man, X-Men, The Fantastic Four and The Incredible Hulk

Vidiator announced the launch of the highly anticipated Stan Lee POW! Mobile channel on Sprint, which features animation from Stan Lee's Accuser, The Drifter and Stripperella.

It is the latest example of mobile video content that is offered first or exclusively to Sprint customers. Vidiator is the exclusive distributor of POW! Mobile content. Stan Lee is the co-creator of many of the most globally recognized superhero franchises in history, including Spider-Man(a), X-Men(a), The Fantastic Four(a), The Incredible Hulk(a) and more. Stan Lee POW! Mobile can be accessed by Sprint Power Vision subscribers for an additional $4.99 per month. Standard data charges apply.

"Accuser" tells the mysterious tale of Dan Mason, formerly a corrupt defense attorney who is given a second chance and the power to redeem himself by ridding the city of criminals he once set free. "The Drifter" chronicles the sci-fi adventures of Matthew Zane, a time traveler from the year 2075 who returns to the past to free humanity from the evil corporation that controls the future. "Stripperella" is a tale about Erotica Jones, who by night is a mild-mannered stripper with a heart of gold. By later night, she's Stripperella, crime-fighting Super Agent 69, busting out to blow the bad guys away.

"Stan Lee's POW! Mobile allows fans both new and old to be hooked on the unique characters and visual stories that only Stan Lee can tell," said Connie Wong, CEO, Vidiator. "By partnering with Vidiator, Sprint once again leads the mobile video industry by providing their customers with compelling content that is available nowhere else."

"After having seen my creations in comic books, movies, television, DVDs and video games, what a kick it is to see them come to life on cell phones, as well!" said Stan Lee. "In partnership with that great group of technical geniuses at Vidiator, I and my cohorts at POW! Entertainment are planning to produce some of the most exciting new mobisodes of all as we eagerly ride the crest of this burgeoning new field of mobile entertainment. So holster your cell phones amigos, the best is yet to come!"

"Stan Lee's name appears on approximately two billion publications worldwide, productions based on his characters have been so popular that people around the world have enthusiastically spent billions of dollars at the box office to watch them come to life on the big screen," said Gill Champion, COO, POW! Entertainment. "Extending the Stan Lee POW! brand into mobile is a natural fit for us and for fans who want to enjoy viewing his creations in as many ways as possible."

Vidiator offers an entire suite of mobile solutions that encompasses content, 3D applications, transcoding, streaming and hosting services. Vidiator partners with branded content owners to produce and re-purpose content to be delivered to the largest 3G operators in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Vidiator provides award-winning mobile solutions built on the Xenon™ mobile multimedia delivery platform. The suite of products - Xenon™ Streamer, Xenon™ Encoder, Xenon™ Live Encoder and Xenon™ Transcoder - provide mobile operators, content providers and handset manufacturers the tools they need to create advanced wireless multimedia services like mobile TV and video, mobile music and mobile advertising. Xenon mobile delivery platform products have been selected by major operators around the world to deliver carrier-grade solution to any device over any network.

POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment, Inc (OTC: POWN) is founded by comic book and motion picture icon Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man(a), X-Men(a), The Incredible Hulk(a) and Fantastic Four(a), together with award winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual properties acclaimed expert Arthur Lieberman esq. POW!'s principles combined have created, produced and licensed some of the most successful global franchises of all time that have gone on to generate billions of dollars in revenues. POW! has partnered with major studios, networks and industry leaders to perpetuate a whole new cast of contemporary Stan Lee originals. POW! Entertainment is now publicly traded under the symbol (POWN) for more information, see www.powentertainment.com.

About Vidiator
Vidiator is a leading provider of mobile TV, video, audio and 3D messaging technology for the delivery of live and on-demand TV, radio and 3G multimedia content to mobile devices. Since 2002, Vidiator has pioneered mobile multimedia technology research and development, specializing in streaming, encoding, transcoding, 3D messaging and mobile TV solutions. Operating with a multi-national team of industry leaders in the mobile, Internet and media arenas, Vidiator develops applications that leverage the company's patented streaming, transcoding and 3D technologies. The company's end-to-end content management, subscription and hosting services allow for the global publishing and distribution of mobile content. Vidiator's multimedia content delivery platforms are deployed throughout the mobile marketplace in 20 countries and on four continents. Vidiator has offices in Bellevue, Wash. (headquarters), London, Hong Kong and Seoul, Korea. For more information, see www.vidiator.com.

Click read more below to see the full news item

Canada Gets New Location-Based Services from Networks In Motion

Networks In Motion and TELUS Launch TELUS Navigator and Kid Find

Networks In Motion and TELUS launched TELUS Navigator, which provides all the features of an advanced car navigation system from the palm of clients' hands, and TELUS Kid Find, a service for parents to locate their children while they're away from home using a secure Web site or select mobile phones.

TELUS Navigator, based on Networks In Motion's NAVBuilder JAVA location-based services (LBS) platform, provides voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions with auto-rerouting if customers miss a turn. It also enables local searches of nearly 1.5 million points of interest (POIs) in Canada and detailed color maps that can be quickly panned and zoomed. Available immediately, TELUS Navigator operates on the Samsung A950 and uses TELUS' GPS solution, which combines the accuracy of traditional GPS technology with network-based location technology to provide customers with driving directions in real-time. More phones will support the service in the near future.

TELUS Kid Find allows parents with select TELUS mobile phones to locate their children in real-time, on an interactive map through their mobile phone or online at mytelusmobility.com. The service's interactive maps are updated frequently and allow parents to zoom in to see their child's location relative to landmarks.

Kid Find protects users' privacy with necessary pass codes and mandatory permission requirements. Only clients who are payment responsible for the account or have been given permission to manage the account can access location information.

Individuals being located will be notified by a flashing GPS indicator on their mobile phone's screen each time a location request is sent to their phone. Additionally, when Kid Find has been activated by the account holder, a one-time notification will be sent to the handset being tracked. Kid Find can be temporarily deactivated by shutting the handset off or disabling the GPS status.

Navigator and Kid Find now operate throughout TELUS' 1X Digital PCS coverage area in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario's Golden Horseshoe region, which stretches from Oshawa to Kitchener, and Barrie to St. Catharines. It is expected to be deployed throughout Canada in the future. To activate the services, Canadian consumers can visit mytelusmobility.com or an authorized TELUS retail location.

 More information is available at http://www.networksinmotion.com.

 

Click read more below to see the full news item

And VaJa continues to produce for YOU!

Today, Vaja released another innovative i-Volution case for the Motorola Q:

A completely new concept in leather cases for the Q: Vaja's i-Volution Holster allows full access to all functions while keeping the device secure.

The i-Volution Top case enhances even more the safety and protection of the Q against bumps and accidental drops.

Customize your own case by choosing among several leather colors and embossing your name or logo in the backside. Fully personalizable and made from exquisite high quality Argentine leather.


Available only at www.vajacases.com  & www.vajachoice.com

PhatWare & Spb Diary - An Incredible Combination!

 This is a terrific offer on two outstanding pieces of software!

Save $30 on Spb Diary/PhatNotes Combo!

PhatWare Corporation and Spb Software House LTD are pleased to offer 50% discount on PhatNotes Professional/Spb Diary bundle and on Spb Diary application. This limited time offer will expire on November 30, 2006.

Spb Diary + PhatNotes Pro = Optimal Notes Solution

 

PhatNotes is an award-winning notes organizer for Microsoft Windows-powered mobile devices. PhatNotes allows users to create notes and organize them by type, subject, creation and modification date. The application provides powerful text search, document security, and email capabilities. PhatNotes allows to synchronize multiple databases between the desktop PC and the mobile device through ActiveSync.

Spb Diary is a feature-rich PIM Today plug-in. It enhances Pocket Outlook by gathering all your PIM information in one place. The new version of Spb Diary is integrated with PhatNotes application and other most popular PIMs. With Spb Diary, the Today screen will soon become your favorite since you will need to leave it less and less. 

You might want to seriously consider this offer....it is a great deal! You can find out more here.

PhatNotes Updated

PhatWare Corp. is pleased to announce an updated release of PhatNotes. PhatNotes is an advanced notes organizer for Microsoft Windows-based Pocket and Desktop PCs and Smartphones, which allows users to create notes and organize them by type, subject, creation, and modification date.

To meet various user's needs, the program is available in 4 editions: Lite, Standard, Professional and Smartphone. The new version provides fixes for several bugs found in the previous version and includes the new regular expression library on mobile device. The upgrade is free to all existing users.

For more information about the PhatNotes application, please visit http://www.phatware.com/phatnotes/

HTC TyTN Metal Case

This is a slick looking case for $28  from Brando specially designed for your HTC TyTN. Aircraft grade aluminium is used to make this case strong yet light in weight.

Brando finishes and examines each of their cases by hand before leaving their workshop. A neoprene lining and 360 degree swivel belt clip is added to make their cases unique, stylish, handy and innovative.

Check it out here at Brando

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Griffin Technology Introduces Two NEW iPodCases

Centerstage and Disko give iPod users two new ways to tote and enjoy their iPods.

Stand Up for Your iPod

Centerstage shows off your iPod in a clear hard shell case, for maximum protection while carrying. But when you get where you're going, Centerstage reveals its hidden talents. The colorful anodized aluminum cover flips open and under to create a sturdy easel stand, allowing your iPod to stand and deliver. Centerstage is perfect for hands-free video viewing.

Like Griffin's best-selling iClear case, Centerstage is fully compatible with 30, 60 and 80GB video iPods. Crystal-clear Centerstage is available in your choice of silver, blue, black, or hot pink aluminum flipstand.


Shake Your Pod Thang

Why not have fun with your iPod WHILE you are carrying it? Disko is a seriously functional iPod carrying case with a sense of fun. That is, it senses your movements and responds with fun moving colored lights that outline the click wheel. So, even when your iPod is sleeping, it's a visual treat (and an instant party, wherever you go).

Disko's colored LEDs are powered by two, tiny, long-lived wafer batteries (included), so no impact on your iPod's battery. Disko works with 30, 60 and 80GB video iPods.

Pricing & Availability

Centerstage and Disko are available for this holiday season, priced at only $24.99, and $29.99 USD, respectively, at www.griffintechnology.com, and wherever quality iPod accessories are sold.

About Griffin Technology

Griffin Technology has earned a reputation as the creative leader in ingenious peripherals and accessories for your digital lifestyle. Find out more about Griffin's entire range of products for audio, video, gaming and more at Griffin's website: www.griffintechnology.com.

54 Million Private Branded Handsets Will Be Shipped in 2006

Some 54 million private operator-branded handsets—cellular phones manufactured for a mobile operator and bearing its logo only—will be shipped worldwide by the end of 2006, representing more than 5% of total handset shipments. Their sale to subscribers will generate $8.7 billion for the operators, according to a new study from ABI Research.
More than two-thirds of these handsets are enhanced feature phones, the majority of which are provided by mobile operators such as NTT DoCoMo and KDDI in Japan. However, in Europe, North America, and many parts of Asia, the majority of operator-branded handsets are smartphones.

Research analyst Shailendra Pandey says, “Private branded handsets allow mobile operators to control device form factor, feel and features, in order to align the product more closely with their services and target customer segments. Most established handset vendors do not manufacture private branded handsets for operators. However, growing competitive and market pressures are forcing them to be more flexible in their approach, supporting operators’ requirements for operating system and user interface customization.”

The private operator-branded handsets marketplace is currently dominated by vendors such as HTC, Sharp, Panasonic, NEC and Sanyo. HTC manufactures private branded handsets for most of the leading mobile operators, including Cingular, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2 and Orange. Sharp, Panasonic, NEC and Sanyo mainly provide private branded handsets to NTT DoCoMo and KDDI.

Vodafone’s recent agreement with Huawei to supply private branded 3G handsets for 21 of its mobile markets around the world will further accelerate the growth of operator-branded handsets shipments from 2007 onwards. The growing demand for operator-branded handsets has provided emerging handset manufacturers such as Huawei with a very quick route to greater market share.

“ABI Research expects the market for private operator-branded handsets to grow to over 127 million handset shipments by 2011,” says Pandey. “This will lead to a healthy level of innovation from new and existing manufacturers that will improve consumers’ experience and ultimately benefit the mobile operators’ business cases.”

The new study, "Operator-Branded Handsets"  examines the market landscape and future potential for operator branded handsets. It discusses the driving forces, the competitive business environment, and the handset vendors, original design manufacturers, mobile operators and MVNOs involved in this market.

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BlackBerry Addiction Lawsuits May Be Next

A new university study and the ever- increasing use of wireless devices, such as the BlackBerry, could result in a flood of lawsuits against employers for creating an allegedly dangerous environment where unpaid overwork is required for success, promotion, and job security, a leading law firm warns.

"Any sort of device that arguably significantly affects an employee outside the workplace could pose a tricky legal area for employers," said Frank C. Morris, Jr., an employment attorney at Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. representing employers.

Giving rise to possible claims, is a recent study by Gayle Porter, Associate Professor of Management at Rutgers University in New Jersey, which suggests possible liability for companies if they keep their employees on "electronic leashes" as part of their job requirements.

Porter theorizes employers may be responsible for supposed physical and psychological fallout that occurs due to what she called potential dependency.
"We could easily see the plaintiff's bar pursuing class claims. In light of possible claims involving dependency, stress related illnesses, carpal tunnel, and for overtime, companies need to be proactive to avert possible serious monetary consequences," said Morris.

The phenomenon of "workaholism," of course, is nothing new. In Japan, the theory of "karoshi," or death-by-overwork, has recently resulted in lawsuits seeking compensation by the deceased person's relatives. Some studies assert a link between the stress of constant labor to strokes, heart attacks, and mental illness.
"While a person simply carrying an employer-provided wireless device is not actually performing any duties, the argument plaintiffs' attorneys may make is the perception employees may have of being tied to the office is equally psychologically damaging," said Morris.

Morris noted many employees constantly check their BlackBerry without any employer requirement to do so. Some view it as a badge of status.
"It is important that companies who require their employees to stay wirelessly connected think about this subject," he says, "put appropriate policies in place and prepare for disgruntled employees or spouses claiming an invasion of their personal lives by technology."

The BlackBerry, developed by Research in Motion (RIM) in 1999, is a wireless handheld device with the capacity to check e-mail and surf the Internet. Its portability allows companies to disseminate information to roaming employees in real time.

Another issue for employers is whether an employee who is overtime- eligible under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act can claim time spent checking BlackBerry outside of normal work hours should be paid time.

"Doctors aren't the only ones who are expected to be on-call anymore, and we have yet to see how this will play out," said Morris. "The same steps employers can take to inoculate themselves against other employment claims still apply - it is merely a question of making smart human resources decisions and implementing them before things get out of hand."

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Pulse Mobile and KDDI Launch NEW Avatar Messaging Service

Taking a simple concept with huge consumer appeal, Pulse Mobile has landed a major deal with Japan's KDDI Corporation that should start tongues wagging — literally.

Pulse Mobile, the leading provider of user-generated mobile content services, offers solutions which enable users to instantly convert head shots into animated talking graphics. KDDI Corporation is the leading youth brand for mobile communications in Japan with over 24 million mobile subscribers. The two partners today announced the availability of "E Shaberi Mail" or "Talking Picture Mail," a unique and highly personalized messaging service.

Utilizing the Pulse Mobile hosted Veepers Content Engine (VCE) KDDI Corporation will provide an embedded multi-media messaging authoring application on new wireless handsets to increase subscriber loyalty in advance of number portability in Japan later this fall.

"Pulse Mobile is deeply honored to be selected to provide KDDI Corporation with a highly compelling messaging and personalization service to attract and retain new subscribers in the face of increasing challenges in a highly competitive market," said Jeff Lipton, President of Pulse Mobile. "Japan has the most sophisticated mobile consumers in the world, and this opportunity represents powerful validation of the value of our user-generated messaging solutions."

The KDDI-branded Veepers Messaging service allows any end-user the means to easily create custom interactive virtual personalities, or Veepers, on their mobile phone from a gallery of static images. The "E Shaberi Mail" service also allows a user to record their voice to drive the personalized animation. The resulting media file can be forwarded to other users, or assigned as a video ringtone on the subscriber's own wireless device.

Scheduled for deployment in October of this year, the service will also offer a gallery of premium content for users to purchase for use in their custom animated messages. Pulse Mobile is planning to partner with leading Japanese content providers to create a range of attractive media offerings that will be focused around event driven promotions such as Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's Day.

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D-Link Ups Ante with Unlocked GSM/Wi-Fi Phone

V-CLICK Makes it Easy to Switch From GSM and Wi-Fi Modes With a Single Click.


D-Link today announced its "V-CLICK" dual-mode phones that allow users to switch between cellular and Wi-Fi networks with the click of a button.

When it begins shipping during the first quarter of 2007, the new D-Link V-CLICK line of phones will feature tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900 Mhz) and 802.11 Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz) access. By sliding a cellular service provider's SIM Smartcard or chip into the V-CLICK phone, the user automatically gains GSM access. Stored phone numbers and address books are also automatically taken into the phone via the SIM Smartcard or chip.

With a simple press of the V-CLICK button, the phone activates or deactivates the Wi-Fi connection that allows users to access websites or an Internet phone service, and enjoy the convenience of reduced communication costs, faster transfer speeds and increased productivity resulting from dual-mode phone access.

D-Link V-CLICK phones boast a sleek, polished black compact form factor (h 4.17", w 1.73", d .75"), with additional colors planned to fit any lifestyle. The V-CLICK phones support Opera Mobile, a mobile browser for logging into Wi-Fi hot spots, web surfing and email functionality on the V-CLICK's two-inch (176x220 pixels) bright color screen.

In addition to operating like regular cell phones that communicate within a nationwide wireless network, D-Link V-CLICK phones will significantly reduce cell phone service costs by switching to the 802.11 wireless mode and connecting to lower-cost Internet telephone services. These services are available by way of well-advertised affordable consumer plans or from a cellular service provider network.
"D-Link's involvement in dual-mode technology is the next step to evolving wireless phone communication," said Steven Joe, president and CEO of D-Link Systems, Inc. "Similar to our popular flip-style Wi-Fi phone, the V-CLICK phones are open and unlocked.

"We view the V-CLICK phone model as the ideal way for us to meet the ever-increasing demand from both consumers and business for a mobile device that allows for easy transition from wide-reaching cellular services to the much faster Wi-Fi and more affordable VoIP technologies," Joe added. "The market for dual-mode phones looks very promising, and the more than 10 years we've had in researching and developing 802.11 wireless and VoIP technologies make this a natural extension of our product offerings."

For regular cell phone coverage, the D-Link V-CLICK phones will be "unlocked," allowing users to use their existing SIMs and pre-paid SIMs from traditional GSM cellular service providers anywhere in the world. By pressing the V-CLICK button, users activate a configurable wireless and SIP profile. Multiple profiles are available that make usage between home and office automatic.
The V-CLICK feature is increasingly valuable as many cities continue to invest in metro 802.11 wireless technology designed to turn entire communities into Wi-Fi zones.

As wireless phones become more complex, they also have become more power-hungry. The V-CLICK phone lets users return to normal cell phone operation for increased battery life and increased standby and talk time.
Standards-based wireless encryption (WEP, WPA and WPA2) built into the V-CLICK phone enables enhanced security of transmission.

Key features of the D-Link V-CLICK phone include:

* Wi-Fi profile roaming for uninterrupted service between wireless
zones
* Opera Mobile browser for hot spot log-in and Web surfing
* Email functionality — 50 emails can be stored in up to 10 accounts
* Large color screen display with 176 by 220 pixels
* Sleek, compact form factor (height, 4.17", width, 1.73", depth, .75";
weight, 3.32 oz)
* Smart text input
* Talk time — up to 5 hours GSM, 2 hours 802.11 wireless mode
* Messages — up to 30 messages can be stored at 459 characters each
* Phonebook — up to 300 contacts
* Data storage — up to 24 megabytes for documents, images, music and
video files.
* Tasks — stores up to 100 entries
* Calendar — up to 100 events, 160 letters per event
* Charging — 3 hours, first time charge 8 hours
* Compact design with internal antenna
* Power-saving mode for maximum standby and talk time

D-Link V-CLICK phones will be a "pay-as-you-go" device, allowing users to purchase call time from service providers that will load up the phone's SIM card.
D-Link's first V-CLICK dual-mode, tri-band mobile phone is scheduled to ship early next year through the company's network of value-added resellers, solution providers and distributors, and online at www.dlinkshop.com. Manufacturer's suggested retail price is expected to be $599.99. D-Link also plans to offer accessories for its new dual-mode phone products.

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WidSets - Boosting Web 2.0 Services on Mobile Phones

Nokia announced WidSets, a phone manufacturer-independent Web 2.0 service, that automatically multicasts preferred RSS feeds and user-generated content. With WidSets, Nokia highlights the power behind the evolution of Web 2.0 - the people, the content they produce and the social networks dynamics, facilitating how mobility enhances Web 2.0's use and enjoyment.

"Immediate access to information is expected by people today, thus we wanted to make it easy for everybody, from an individual blogger to a web service provider, to automatically have mobile access to website content," said Dieter May, Vice President and Head of Nokia Emerging Business Unit. "We also believe WidSets will be attractive to new users who are not so familiar with Web 2.0. The easiest way to get started is to visit the WidSets website at www.widsets.com, create an account, browse the Library, and start exploring the service."

WidSets allows users to build a Content Library, freely choosing from RSS feeds to blog posts to photo uploading sites that are multicasted to any new generation Java(TM) enabled mobile devices. WidSets keeps such content updated and forms a symbiotic relationship with the web, enabling both mediums to work as one.

WidSets is mobile phone browser-independent and comes to market with a vast array of features that truly put the user in the driving seat. Widsets Templates allow users to include their own websites or blogs, for their own private use or that of others they choose. Collaborative filtering allows the community to enrich the Widsets Library by providing suggestions for new content that a user did not know about. The WidSets User Interface uses a process of "choose and set" that makes Widsets operative within seconds. Best of all, signing up to WidSets is free of charge and using WidSets is optimised for minimal data consumption.

"We wanted WidSets to be fun to use, so we based the user interface on great-looking and dynamic mini-applications called widgets that automatically receive updates from websites that people normally visit several times a day," continues Dieter May. "Whenever the information on a community, blog, or news service is updated, the widget notifies the user about it, so that the information can be viewed right away, regardless of where the user is located. And if users can't find their favorite internet service on WidSets, they can easily create and publish widgets themselves, and share the content with others."

WidSets is about broadening media reach to mobile phones, including content and its community affinity. WidSets simply connects people to what they enjoy the most.

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

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Logitech Pushes the Edge with Stunning New Keyboard Design

Rechargeable Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard Features Ultra-Slim Design, Integrated TouchDisc, Dynamic Backlighting

It’s more than a keyboard – it’s a minimalist work of high-technology art. Today, Logitech unveiled the Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard, a cutting-edge blend of refined design and breakthrough innovation. Following the design legacy of Logitech’s original, award-winning diNovo Media Desktop (2003), the diNovo Edge reflects the growing importance and visibility of the PC in today’s home.

Meant to be seen and touched, the comfortable new keyboard, with a high-gloss finish, is laser cut from a single, semi-translucent piece of black Plexiglas and set into a brushed-aluminum frame. Its minimalist style is further evident in the limited number of buttons and the dynamic, backlighted icons embedded within the keyboard, which are invisible when not illuminated. Considering the keyboard’s many innovations and advanced technology, this eye-catching design seems impossibly thin at only ¾-inches (19.05 mm) thick.

Breaking new ground in technology, the diNovo Edge is Logitech’s first rechargeable keyboard, features an integrated touch-sensitive navigation and scroll panel, and includes embedded Bluetooth wireless technology. Its fusion of premium technology and aesthetics adds a sense of prestige to any den or office. It also makes the keyboard a perfect addition to the living room, where an increasing number of people are using their computers.

“The diNovo Edge is the most beautiful and elegant keyboard we’ve ever made,” said Denis Pavillard, vice president of product marketing for Logitech’s keyboards and desktops. “It elicits an immediate emotional connection the first time you see it – and that connection only gets stronger when you place your hands upon it. The diNovo Edge delivers a premium experience in every way, from how it looks in the office or living room, to how it feels and performs in the hands of its owner.”

The Ultimate Computing Experience

The diNovo Edge is the newest member of Logitech’s premier family of Advanced Peripherals. It’s designed to perfectly complement the equally stunning and powerful Logitech® MX™ Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse. To further create the best-of-the-best computer system, people can add the Logitech® Z-10 2.0 Interactive Speaker System, which matches the diNovo Edge with a soft-orange liquid-crystal media display and a pristine glossy black surface.

Minimalist, Refined Design

Logitech’s first-generation diNovo keyboard design, introduced in 2003, reflected the growing minimalist tastes among consumers – with sharp angles and an ultra-slim profile that complemented flat-panel monitors. The new diNovo Edge keyboard takes the approach even further by reducing the number of seams and buttons on the keyboard, offering touch-sensitive technology and controls that are flush with the keyboard surface, and using dynamic soft-orange backlighting behind the single Plexiglas panel.

The semi-translucent surface enables the dynamic backlighting of icons embedded within the keyboard, which are invisible without illumination. Pressing the function key illuminates icons for secondary F-key functions, including media controls and application-launch keys. After the function key is released, the icons above the F-keys disappear and the keyboard’s top panel returns to its pristine black state.

The keyboard rests completely flat, with a low profile, on a desk or coffee table, or on a lap. Several studies have shown that lower-profile keyboards reduce wrist extension and thereby reduce the risk of hand and forearm discomfort.

Premium Navigation Experience

The navigation features of the diNovo Edge keyboard are carefully designed to deliver premium performance, whether with a PC in the office or in the living room – using Windows® XP, Windows® XP Media Center Edition, or the upcoming Windows Vista™ operating system. For example, the keyboard has a special start key that launches the Vista start menu, and an F-key search button provides one-touch access to Vista’s search feature.

The keyboard includes the first-of-its-kind touch-sensitive TouchDisc™, which enables people to scroll and navigate a graphical user interface without having to reach for a mouse – perfect for leaning back from the desk, for making a small adjustment when working at the desk, or for using a media PC in the living room. Moving a finger up and down or across the disc moves the cursor on the computer screen, and moving the finger in a circular motion around the perimeter of the TouchDisc enables people to scroll horizontally and vertically through documents.

Located above the TouchDisc, the keyboard’s touch-sensitive volume slider makes it easy to quickly adjust the computer’s volume. And on the left-hand side of the keyboard, three zoom buttons – zoom in, zoom out, and 100 percent view – enable people to navigate and edit digital photos with ease. A pointer button, used with the TouchDisc, enables two-hand navigation.

The Ultimate Typing Experience

With the diNovo Edge, each keystroke feels fluid and stable with Logitech’s PerfectStroke™ key system, featuring precision micro-scissor mechanisms that distribute force evenly across key surfaces. On many keyboards, when pressure is applied to a key’s edge, the key sticks and requires more force to engage. On the diNovo Edge, whether one pushes the center of the key or one of the key’s edges, the keystroke feels the same. Logitech also has carefully calibrated the tension and travel required for keystrokes, optimizing each specification to deliver the best performance.

Advanced Wireless Technology

With Bluetooth® wireless technology, the diNovo Edge can connect directly, without the included USB micro-receiver, to PCs that have built-in Bluetooth technology. For computers without built-in Bluetooth technology, people need only plug in the micro-receiver to a USB port to connect the keyboard to the PC; the keyboard and receiver are pre-paired during manufacturing so that they automatically connect when plugged in.

Bluetooth wireless technology provides the keyboard with a longer range (up to 10 meters, or 33 feet) than for many cordless keyboards – important for use in the living room.

Stylish Recharging Stand

The rechargeable diNovo Edge comes with a stylish stand that serves as both a recharging station and a display base; when inserted in the stand, the keyboard rests perpendicular to the desk, showing off its slim design and freeing up valuable desk space. A two-hour charge yields up to two months of battery life.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in November. Its suggested retail price is $199.99 in the U.S. More information about the keyboard is available in the Advanced Peripherals section of Logitech’s Web site, www.logitech.com/advanced.

About Logitech

Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S. on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned by Logitech and may be registered. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the Company’s Web site at www.logitech.com.

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Disney Offers New Handheld Video Games

Disney Princesses and Ariel are joining the "Disney on the Go" portfolio of handheld video games. New handheld video game titles based on the "Disney Princess" and "The Little Mermaid" franchises are now available at retail stores throughout North America.

The new line-up from Buena Vista Games includes:

-- Disney's The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure for the Nintendo DS(TM)

-- Disney's The Little Mermaid: Magic in Two Kingdoms for the Game Boy(R) Advance

-- Disney Princess: Royal Adventure for the Game Boy Advance

"Inspired by the award-winning film, 'The Little Mermaid' handheld games provide interactive adventures that kids can take with them on-the-go," said Craig Relyea, vice president of marketing, Buena Vista Games. "With the release of Disney's new two-disc 'The Little Mermaid' Platinum Edition DVD today, fans of Ariel and her friends will have ample opportunities to share in the fun this holiday season."

Featuring six of Disney's most beloved princesses, Disney Princess: Royal Adventure on the Game Boy Advance will be released alongside The Little Mermaid titles. DIGY

"Since its debut in 2000, the Disney Princess franchise has become a leading girls lifestyle brand," said Relyea. "Building on the franchise's popularity, the new Disney Princess: Royal Adventure game enables young girls to interact with their favorite characters in a new magical adventure."

About Disney's The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure

Ariel, Flounder and Sebastian join some new friends on a mysterious aquatic adventure based on the beloved Disney movie. Developed by Gorilla Systems Corp., the game lets players dive into 16 levels of interactive gameplay, and use the unique Nintendo DS features that include:

-- Playing music wirelessly with up to five friends in the "Barnacle Band"

-- Singing into the Nintendo DS microphone to unlock treasure chests

-- Using the Nintendo DS stylus to dig up hidden treasure

About Disney's The Little Mermaid: Magic in Two Kingdoms

Also developed by Gorilla Systems Corp., Disney's The Little Mermaid: Magic in Two Kingdoms lets players embark on a seafaring journey through some favorite "The Little Mermaid" movie moments. Explore as Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian or Prince Eric to unlock eight nautical games. Goals include racing to save Prince Eric from the sinking ship, aiding Sebastian in escaping the French Chef and defeating Ursula, the evil sea-witch.

About Disney Princess: Royal Adventure

Developed by Human Soft, Inc., Disney Princess: Royal Adventure lets players explore an enchanted castle with secret portals leading to the worlds of the Disney Princesses -- Jasmine, Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty -- on their quest to find a missing collection of special tiaras. Players can journey into a wonderful world inside the castle and a medley of unique environments in the surrounding village. The Disney Princesses will help players increase their skills while earning enchanted items that are used to solve a mystery that has been forgotten by the village for many years.

About Buena Vista Games

Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG) is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). BVG publishes, markets and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with third-party interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. For more information, please log on to http://www.bvg.com.

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Nokia - New Wireless and Fuel Cell Technology

Nokia is introducing a new standard for short-range wireless connections between small devices called "Wibree".  Using just a fraction of the power of Wi-Fi or Bluetoth, it will provide links with other devices up to 30 feet.  Nokia believes that it will easily integrate with bluetooth devives such as printers, microphones and headsets.

Nokia alos announced that we will have to wait a little longer for fuel cells to power our devices...but it is coming.  They indicated that "It is not a technology question, it is more like a supply-chain issue at the moment".

They said that it was available and that they have tested it but the real consideration now was how to supply the fuel to consumers....ahh, the power of technology.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Watch a Movie - Win a Million!

NETFLIX CREATES $1 MILLION NETFLIX PRIZE TO
PROMOTE PROGRESS IN RECOMMENDATION SYSTEMS

Scientists Challenged to Analyze Dataset of 100 Million Movie Ratings

Netflix, Inc. announced the creation of the Netflix Prize, an award of one million dollars to the first person who can achieve certain accuracy goals in recommending movies based on personal preferences. The company also made available to contestants 100 million anonymous movie ratings ranging from one to five stars, the largest such data set ever released.

Netflix said it will publish a detailed description of the winning approach for the benefit of companies, entrepreneurs and academicians.

Recommendation systems help people choose taste-based products by comparing their tastes with similar tastes of other people. Recommendation systems are particularly useful to consumers of movies, books, music, clothing and entertainment.

"Recommendation systems covering a wide variety of categories will play an increasingly significant commercial role in the future," said Netflix Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Reed Hastings. "Right now, we're driving the Model T version of what is possible. We want to build a Ferrari and establishing the Netflix Prize is a first step."

The threshold required to win the Netflix Prize is a 10 percent improvement in accuracy over the current Netflix recommendation system. If no one wins the grand prize this year, the company said it will award a $50,000 progress prize to whoever makes the most significant advancement toward the goal and will award a progress prize annually until someone wins the grand prize.

Complete details for registering and competing for the Netflix Prize are available at www.netflixprize.com.

In creating the Netflix Prize, the company said it was inspired by the unconventional approach used to win the Longitude Prize, which was created in 1714 by the British government to focus on one of the most vexing and dangerous aspects of transoceanic travel – determining a ship's longitude. The prize was won in 1761 by John Harrison, who rather than focusing on star maps created a clock precise enough to accurately keep the time of the ship's home port and allowed navigators to use local time as measured by the height of the sun to calculate longitude within a half degree. The movie "Longitude" tells this story and is available at Netflix.

The Netflix Prize competition is open to anyone except Netflix employees, their families, and company affiliates. The company is inviting individual computer scientists and corporate or university teams well versed in the complexities of machine learning to pursue the prize. A board of judges, including senior engineers at Netflix and well-known members of the machine learning community, will determine the grand prize or annual progress prize winners.
All personal information identifying individual Netflix customers has been removed from the prize data. It contains only movie titles, star ratings and dates but no text reviews.

A recommendation engine spanning the 65,000 titles in the Netflix catalog is an essential element of the company's movie subscription service. Each of Netflix's more than five million members enjoys a personalized member Web site that enables them to rate movies on a one to five star scale. Netflix pours those individual ratings into a database of more than one billion movie ratings and relies on proprietary algorithms and software to identify movies that tend to be rated highly (or lowly) by people with similar tastes. The accuracy of this software has been praised by movie critics and members alike and enables Netflix to fulfill its goal of connecting people with movies they'll love.

For more information, visit www.netflix.com.

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The Motorola KRZR K1m - it's fashionable but is it functional?

Sascha Segan from PC Magazine has a new review up on the Motorola KRZR.  Like Sascha I think it looks terrific but is it functional?  Is it just another so-so phone in a fancy case?  I think it is!  It has a camera but its 1.2 Megapixels...JUNK!  It does have bluetooth...yea!  But it has NO Web Browser...poor decision! 

Check out what Sascha has to say and you decide if this is a phone you would like to have.  In part, Sascha said the following:

The Motorola KRZR K1m is a gorgeous fashion statement, sure to be the next iconic cell phone design. In terms of features and functionality, however, it's really an old RAZR in a new case. If you aren't dazzled by the design, the KRZR is just another mid-range Verizon music phone.

Nokia dials up GPS technology leader Trimble for intellectual property licensing deal

Nokia  and Trimble announced a cooperative licensing deal on Trimble's Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) patents related to designated wireless products and services involving location technologies, such as GPS, assisted GPS or Galileo. The licensing agreement is exclusive to Nokia for the wireless consumer product and service domain and includes sublicensing rights. In return, Trimble receives a non-exclusive license to Nokia's location-based patents for use in Trimble's commercial products and services. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed; however it will not be material to either company's revenue or income.

"Location-based devices and services are receiving mass market acceptance, offering a range of benefits to both consumer and commercial users," said Steven W. Berglund, president and CEO of Trimble. "We are very pleased to be working with Nokia to incorporate our intellectual property into the most common consumer electronic device - the mobile phone. This agreement validates Trimble's GNSS patent portfolio and offers us further opportunities to extend our presence in the mobile communications markets we currently serve."

"We strongly believe that location-based capabilities and services will be an important element of future mobile communications devices," said Kai Öistämö, executive vice president and general manager of Mobile Phones, Nokia. "By licensing the world's largest GNSS patent portfolio involving innovative location solutions, Nokia will be able to offer our customers - consumers and operators alike - an even more compelling mobile experience. Also, by licensing our solutions and these patents to other players, we believe this deal with Trimble will benefit the entire wireless industry by accelerating the adoption of location technologies. From Nokia's perspective, the sublicensing rights under Trimble's industry leading location patent portfolio will nicely augment our industry leading WCDMA/UMTS and GSM patent portfolios."

Today, the location-based services industry is experiencing significant growth in the area of navigation; for example car, pedestrian and maritime. Other services such as "local search" - finding relevant information based on one's location - are also becoming increasingly popular. As more and more location-based services continue to be added to mobile devices, the mobile phone is expected to play a central role in the mass adoption of location-based services by consumers.

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com

About Trimble

Trimble is a leading innovator of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. In addition to providing advanced GPS components, Trimble augments GPS with other positioning technologies as well as wireless communications and software to create complete customer solutions. Trimble's worldwide presence and unique capabilities position the Company for growth in emerging applications including surveying, agriculture, machine guidance, fleet and asset management, wireless platforms, and telecommunications infrastructure. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Trimble has more than 2,400 employees in more than 18 countries worldwide.

For more information, visit Trimble's Web site at www.trimble.com

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Unlimited Calling - a NEW T-Mobile option

T-Mobile has started offering customers the ability to make unlimited calls to a handful of wireless or wired numbers. The NEW MyFaves plan will allow folks to choose up to five numbers that they can make unlimited calls to (and receive unlimited calls from).

Plans start at $40 per month for 300 anytime minutes with unlimited nights and weekends. The is also a family plan that starts at $70 per month for 700 minutes (each line on a family plan will have its own "Fave 5".

Visit T-Mobile here

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Bluetooth Transfer Month

As technology continues to evolve, we are becoming more accessible regardless of our location, and file-sharing is expanding between PCs, PDAs and other mobile devices.

Currently consumers share text files, however, Bluetooth technology is expanding to include even more file-sharing scenarios, such as high-quality video and audio streaming. With these new changes, officials from Bluetooth SIG have declared October "Bluetooth Transfer Month."

Check out this "cool" little short action movie on BLUETOOTH feature technology produced by the Bluetooth SIG

 

Did you know that Microsoft ActiveSync 4.2 has a troubleshooter?

I didn't but now I do because of Chris De Herrera's Windows CE Website.  Chris has an absolutely incredible collection of facts that will most assuredly solve any active sync problem that you might encounter.  Chris recently posted:

As part of the ActiveSync 4.2 release, Microsoft now includes an ActiveSync Troubleshooter.  The troubleshooter analyzes the ActiveSync log files for errors and refers users to the Microsoft website for solutions.  To access the troubleshooter, open ActiveSync on your PC and click on Help - Troubleshooter for ActiveSync.  In some cases the troubleshooter will open to assist a user with a problem.

Link to Microsoft ActiveSync 4.2 Troubleshooter