A Cheaper iPhone, Why Not?
Apple is preparing to launch not one, but two new devices with Verizon, according to yet another new rumor. The leaked product details about an alleged "iPhone lite". The rumor sprung up after Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam confirmed that the company has spoken with Apple executives. "In the last six months.
Although McAdam would not say what the two companies discussed, two people familiar with the subject said talks covered the new smaller iPhone-like device under development. Representatives of Verizon Wireless and Apple declined to comment. AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel says: "We are delighted with the iPhone and our partnership with Apple." The company declined to make an executive available.
Google Adds Voice, Video Chat to Gmail, Apps
Fearful that the tone of your instant messages is sometimes lost in translation? Google on Tuesday announced that it is integrating a voice and video plug-in for it Gmail Chat offering that lets you see or hear the friend with which you are chatting.
Users will need to download and install a plug-in, and have access to a Webcam for video purposes. Google has partnered with Logitech and Buy.com to offer discounts of up to 30 percent on several cameras, as well as free shipping, until November 30.
E-cigarette
An e-cigarette (or e-cig) is an alternative to the cigarette, providing small amounts of the chemical nicotine with each inhalation.
The device takes the form of a tiny rod which is slightly longer than a normal cigarette. The mouthpiece of the device contains a replaceable cartridge filled with liquid. In the patent pending version of the e-cigarette, the main substances contained in the liquid are nicotine, propylene glycol, and optional flavours or aromas.
Verizon officially announces touchscreen BlackBerry
Verizon’s EV-DO Rev. A network will carry the Storm in the US, while Europe, India, and Oceania will offer the device through Vodafone. In India last August, however, the launch of the 3G iPhone was heavily qualified with disclaimers on the 3G network’s limitations. Like the complaints about AT&T’s 3G in the US, Indian consumers, too expressed frustration at the unreliable service provided by Vodafone’s less-than-ready 3G network.
In May, Computerworld compared all the available 3G networks in the US, and determined that AT&T’s was the best all around. Just three months later, the widespread opinion is that even our best network isn’t that hot.
This BlackBerry may provide the opportunity for Verizon to show off its 3G mettle. During the company’s earnings call in July, Verizon COO Denny Strigl noted that the AT&T-exclusive 3G iPhone affected Verizon “disproportionately less than our relative market share.”
Cell phone can unlock car, start engine
Filed under: Mobile Phone, New Product, New Technology
TOKYO – A new Japanese mobile phone will automatically unlock the doors of its owners’ cars and let drivers start their engines without using an ignition key.
The phone, built by Sharp Corp., uses a technology previously developed by Nissan Motor Co. called “Intelligent Key” that allows drivers enter and start their cars without removing their keys from their pockets or bags.
RIM to launch touchscreen BlackBerry "soon": Verizon
TORONTO (Reuters) – Research In Motion (RIM.TO)(RIMM.O) is preparing to launch the long anticipated touch-screen version of its BlackBerry smartphone, according to an official promotion e-mail from U.S. carrier Verizon Wireless (VZ.N)(VOD.N).
The device will be known as the BlackBerry Storm 9530 and will feature “global capabilities”, Verizon said, without providing specifics. It also did not give an exact launch date, saying only that the smartphone is “coming soon”.
First Look: Seagate FreeAgent XTreme
Seagate’s FreeAgent XTreme Serial ATA (SATA) 300 external hard drives are being targeted at users dealing with high definition (HD) video and graphics files.
Although nominally a consumer item, the drives would also suit employees working from home with large data files not normally transferable over standard broadband connections. The drive also comes with a five-year warranty.
We looked at a 500GB model, although 640GB, 1TB and 1.5TB versions are also available.
All models come in black, have dual FireWire 400 and mini-USB data ports and an eSATA interface. The designation ‘SATA 300′ refers to maximum data throughput achievable of 300MBytes/s.
Panasonic Toughbook CF-F8
Panasonic’s Toughbook Executive range has just got a whole lot more desirable with the launch of the new ultra-portable F-series, which replaces the existing Y-series in the UK. Rather than the more utilitarian styling of previous models, the new Toughbook CF-F8 is designed to be appealing as well as tough. We got a hands-on look at the global launch in Japan, a month before its 22nd October 2008 UK launch.
The main thing that stands out with the CF-F8 is the large carry-handle that slides out from the front, so you can carry it around without a bag. It may sound a little odd, but it’s actually a really easy way to carry the 1.6kg laptop around, and you’re less likely to drop it that way, too.
Google’s New Smartphone Wows Consumers, But Enterprises Must Wait — Smartphones
Google, T-Mobile, and htc launched the latest salvo in the smartphone wars as they unveiled the first handset to support Google’s Android operating system.
The G1 smartphone, manufactured by HTC and marketed by T-Mobile, has a 3.2-inch touch display that flips out to reveal a full keyboard and trackball navigation. With Google closely involved, the G1 has tight integration with many of the search giant’s offerings, including free push Gmail, wireless syncing with Google’s calendar, and support for YouTube.
Mobile users hoping to use the G1 for business, however, may be disappointed by the absence of built-in Microsoft Exchange support, and neither T-Mobile nor Google is providing a desktop syncing client. “We expect it to be more for the consumer, not necessarily for enterprises,” says Cole Brodman, chief technology and innovation officer at T-Mobile USA.
Slingbox PRO-HD
Sling Media invented a product category with the original Slingbox a nifty device that place-shifts any cable box, DVR, or other television-based media source to any PC in the house, or even anywhere in the world (either to a remote PC, or to a compatible smartphone using the $29.95 SlingPlayer Mobile)—all without monthly fees. The company’s latest model, the PRO-HD, is an update of its multiple-input Slingbox PRO from 2006. The PRO-HD, along with the company’s SlingPlayer 2.0 software, is notable for some impressive new features, such as the ability to stream high-definition video over the Internet, a Program Guide that probably beats the one built into your cable or satellite box, and a TiVo-like ability to pause and time-shift live television within a 60-minute buffer.