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dotMobi May Increase Cell Phone Internet Browsing Options
2006-12-25 10:54:02
  Accessing the internet from your phone isn?t exactly a new option but it?s one which is surprisingly uncommon in use considering how long it?s been possible to do it.  Or maybe the lack of use is not so surprising, considering that the download times for pages are frequently long and the costs for use can be exorbitant.  Although it?s possible to get the right combination of cell phone equipment and provider to decrease these limitations, many people find that it?s still not preferable to do internet browsing via their cell phone.  However, dotMobi may be making a difference in this trend.  Their goal is to make internet browsing via mobile phones a more widespread phenomenon by hosting sites which are user friendly to such consumers.  The .mobi domain name extension lets businesses adapt their websites to a format which will take up less space and be more easy to use via cell phone internet connections. Problems with .mobi growth which exist include a lack of awareness of the .m...
More About: Internet , Phone , Cell Phone , Inter , Cell

Virtual meals to bring families together
2006-12-25 10:54:02
Accenture is developing a whole new genre of video conferencing: The Virt ual Family Dinner. With this innovative tool, you can connect to family member anywhere in the world with just a push of a button. It is installed much like cable television, but is tailored specifically to your family and their whereabouts. Elderly people who eat dinner alone are the largest target for this type of media seeing as they are usually the ones that are unable to travel to be with their families. The concept is simple. An elderly woman in, say, California, makes herself dinner. When she gets ready to sit down and eat, the system detects it and alerts her son in Chicago. The son then goes to his kitchen, where a small camera and microphone capture what he is doing. Speakers and a screen ? as big as a television or as small as a picture frame ? allow him to hear and see his mother, who has a similar setup.USA Today There are concerns that this will just end up being another tool for the government to...
More About: Ring , Together , Families

Microsoft Zune firmware update
2006-12-23 22:53:01
Microsoft has released a firmware update, version 1.2. The zune firmware patch is around 22MB. The updates do not add any new features, but it improves the existing features such as image lag, switching modes, and switching from videos to music. Instruction for updating for Zune player firmware from Microsoft: 1. Install the version of the Zune software that was included with your Zune device. 2. Connect your Zune device to a computer, and then put your Zune device on a stable surface. 3. Note If the battery in your Zune device is critically low, we recommend that you charge your Zune device before you continue. For more information about how to charge your Zune device, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 927348 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927348/) How to charge the battery in your Zune device 4. Open the Zune software. You receive a message to update your Zune device. If you do not receive this message, follow these steps: a...
More About: Firmware , War , Ware

Apple to develop MacBook Pro Ultrathin 12 inch Laptop
2006-12-23 22:53:01
MacScoop has obtained reports from sources believed to be very reliable, claiming that Apple is developing a smaller and ultra-thin form-factor MacBook Pro.The sources inform that the new laptop should be even thinner and weigh less than the current models in the MacBook Pro line-up. In spite of this very tiny and lightweight form-factor, the miniaturized MacBook Pro should keep its built-in optical drive and sport a dual-core processor and providing unequalled size/performance ratio in the PC industry. Sources added that the exact price is not yet reveal, but from the analysis of Apples pricing tactics the Apple’s new laptop could be priced in the $1700 to $1800 range. Via [Macscoop] Announcements, Apple, mac, macbook, pc industry, thinner
More About: Mac , Laptop , Ultra

Xbox 360 Warranty Can?t Compete With Newer Game Systems
2006-12-23 16:52:01
The once-adored Xbox 360 has taken a back seat to the latest releases in game systems by Sony and Nintendo, but Microsoft is bringing itself back in to the news by extending its warranty on all Xbox 360 systems, including those which have already been purchased (and sometimes even repaired). The warranty extension (from 90 days to one full year) is not only a means of putting the company?s game system back in the spotlight but also may be a way for the company to efficiently deal with problems resulting from the fact that flaws in the system have been reported by consumers. The company may be doing all that it can to keep Xbox 360 alive until a new Microsoft game system release can make a bigger splash, but is it enough to compete with the currently popular PS3 and Nintendo Wii? After all, both of these systems already came with the one year warranty in place. Read [Business Week] game system, Gaming, microsoft, nintendo, playstation, ps3, sony, warranty, wii, Xbox, Xbox 360
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Save Space With iSound Spa
2006-12-23 04:51:01
Travelers and those of us who live in cramped urban apartments make it a daily habit to try to minimize the number of separate items that we own without having to simultaneous minimize our accumulation of new toys. This is no easy task. Every new gadget that we get comes with cords to attach it to computers or docking stations to charge it. And as soon as we get just the right travel bag or shelving unit, we either get new gadgets or we get new attachments for the old gadgets. HoMedics is doing their part to provide some relief from the burden of space-sucking toys with its new iSound Spa system. It acts as an iPod docking station and speaker system, a radio, a clock which projects the time on to your wall, and an alarm. And to further help you decrease the stress which sometimes comes with having just a little bit too much in your life, the iSound Spa system also offers six different nature sound options for your enjoyment. Of course, we all know that the space we save by usi...
More About: Space , With , Pace , Save

Jawbone Reduces Noise For Bluetooth Users
2006-12-22 22:50:01
The standard cell phone joke needs only the punch line: ?can you hear me now?? Constant improvements to cell phone and bluetooth technology have made it easier to get good reception in more places. Still, even with these advancements, how many times have you been using your Blue tooth and suddenly couldn?t hear what the person on the other end of the line was saying to you because there was too much background noise? At the least, such problems are a minor annoyance. In worse cases, they can cause a failure to receive important information, affecting business deals and other transactions worldwide. Aliph and Cingular have teamed up to reduce this problem, launching the new Jawbone headset with Noise Shield technology. The system identifies the voice of the user and then isolates it, blocking out all other background noise. This offers you, as a Bluetooth user, noise-free conversations which you can hear clearly no matter where you are. So you can stand in line at your favorite...
More About: User , Reduce , Users

Patent Agreement Causes Novell Programmer To Leave For Googl
2006-12-22 22:50:01
The open source movement happened quietly for all but those of us who are most aware of up-to-date technology news. It was a movement started in the late ?90?s to allow for users to view source codes and make alterations to them with the purpose of improving existing computer programs and then redistributing them for wider use. One of the most well-known names in the open source business today is Jeremy Allison. He is most recognized for his work on Samba, the program which allows open source updates to Linux through a Windows-based system. Today, however, he is making the news not for his technology skill but for his choice to leave employer Novel l in order, in part, to be able to further the goals of the open source movement. Allison?s resignation from Novell comes as a result of what he feels are limitations on his work created by a patent agreement which Novell has with Microsoft. There is nothing legally wrong with the agreement between Novell and Microsoft. However, Allis...
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Play Sudoku On Your iPod
2006-12-22 22:50:01
There are two things that you can?t go out in to the world these days without seeing all around you: iPod s and Sudoku . On every bus, in every coffee shop, and standing in every increasingly-longer Christmas shopping line there will be at least one person who has their mind tuned in to their iPod and at least one person who is rapidly penciling numbers in to the boxes of their Sudoku puzzle book. Why not get on top of the trends and combine the two? Most iPod owners know that Apple began providing games to users through the iTunes site just a few short months ago. One of the two newest games on the short list which can currently be downloaded at the iTunes store is Sudoku. The game costs less than $5 and can be downloaded as easily as music is through the iTunes site. Read [Kotaku] Apple, games, Gaming, ipod, ipods, iTunes, Miscellaneous, newest games, sudoku
More About: Ipod , Play , Your

The Blind Reader
2006-12-22 04:48:04
This Blind Read er lets the blind read regular printed text as well. It scans any printed text like a regular scanner and then translates it to Braille on a special screen for the blind to touch. A concept by a Chinese company named Togo, the Braille screen works with electromagnetic or piezoelectric principles. The blind can finally read a book, magazine or in a library without special provisions. It supposedly works on LCD screens too, which allows them to read websites and the blogosphere! This is great stuff, and I am surprised it wasn’t done earlier. Read [Togo] blind read, blind reader, braille, Gadgets, piezoelectric

A Windows XP Easter Egg
2006-12-22 04:48:04
This is a good tip that was sent in anonymously for a Wind ows XP East er Egg (or hidden program). Go to Start > Run > and type in eudcedit This will open up a font editor and allow you to design your own custom fonts and characters to be used in word processors like Microsoft Word. easter egg, hidden program, How to, microsoft word, PC, windows xp easter egg
More About: Windows X

Launching Office Warfare
2006-12-21 16:47:01
Office warfare is taken to the new level with the USB Laser Guided Missile Launch er. The launcher can pivot 180 degree horizontally and 45 degrees upwards, connect and simultaneously control (from your computer) an unlimited number of missile launchers, takes 3AA batteries and comes with 3-D software. At US$54.99, just point your red laser dot at your target and slowly squeeze you mouse trigger finger. War ning: It doesn’t come with a “won’t get you fired” warranty. Product Page [Think Geek] computer, Gadgets, missile launcher, missile launchers, Peripherals
More About: Fare , Warfare

Cingular adds Globetrotter GT MAX card to ?Roaming Nationwid
2006-12-21 10:46:02
Option’s Globe trotter GT MAX is the the latest data card supplier to Cingular ’s HSDPA “always on nationwide wifi” network. With a 3.6 Mbps downstream data capability, and support of the higher HSDPA data rate, it also has backward compatibility of 4 GSM (UMTS, EDGE, GPRS) and 3 WCDMA bands. With a retractable antenna, this card looks promising. It will retail around $49.99 after rebate and a 2 year Cingular agreement. Read [Engadget] Cell Phones, cingular, Communication, data card, data rate, engadget, gsm, retractable antenna, wcdma, Wireless
More About: Card , Nation , Roaming

Telling time the futuristic way
2006-12-20 22:45:01
For around $80, you can buy a watch that you might not even know how to read but is cool nevertheless. This Eri and Eiichie (e35) designed watch is called JLr7 and is based on telling time using geometric patterns. There seems to be a random pattern of lights and learning it’s patterns will allow you to tell the time in a futuristic manner. The watch has a dark gunmetal finish and an all black crystal face. The digital segments are L-shaped and lights up to tell the time in a unique sequence. Pressing a button will give you a computerized animation of random light patterns, concluding by telling the time. Learning to tell the time is an art itself but when you do master it, you’ll probably be the only person on the block having such a strange timepiece. Oh and it does come give you some futuristic style bragging rights. Product Page [Tokyo Flash] animation, crystal face, futuristic style, Gadgets, gunmetal, random light, random pattern, timepiece
More About: Time , Futuristic , The Futurist

Creative?s new SE2300 Wireless Headphones
2006-12-20 22:45:01
The Creative SE2300 Wireless Headphones gives you stylish comfort without the hassle of a headband. It has a trendy looking and lightweight clip-on design, the headphones feature user-friendly controls and Bluetooth technology. The wireless audio transmitter can operate up to a range of 10 meters or approximately 390 inches. The Bluetooth technology offered on the headphones also allow easy synchronization to any USB Bluetooth enabled PC or PDA and the inbuilt AV Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) can be used to control music tracks as well. The headphones run on a build in rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery allowing for up to 8 hours of continuous music play with a useful beep indicator when the charge levels are low. Another useful feature is the unique automatic energy saving feature to power itself down when inactive. Currently for sale at leading retailers, the suggested retail price is US$99.99. Audio/ Video, audio transmitter, bluetooth enabled, bluetooth technology, headband,...
More About: Phone , Phones

Nintendo to offer Opera Browser to Wii owners
2006-12-20 22:45:01
On December 22, 2006, Nintendo and Opera will make a trial version of the Opera browser available to Wii owners. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can download a free trial Opera browser to activate the Internet Channel of the Wii Menu and begin surfing the Web. The final version of the Opera browser will be available at the end of March 2007, and will be free for all Wii owners to download through the end of June 2007. After June, users who haven’t already downloaded the Opera browser can go to the Wii Shop Channel to download it for 500 Wii Points. Press Release [Nintendo] Announcements, Gaming, Web Browsers, wii
More About: Tend

Purchase a virtual Ford arcade racer
2006-12-19 22:44:02
Get yours now, Amazon is selling a Ford branded double arcade cabinet racer for $19,000. This arcade box comes with a 25 car, 12 track feature with automatic updates and authentic racing seats for a truly virtual experience. A good idea for the rich and famous, however, one may have more satisfaction in a real car (for that price) than a virtual one. It is interesting to see how many of these units Amazon sells. Via [Joystiq] arcade cabinet, ford, Gadgets, Gaming, racing seats, real car, virtual experience
More About: Arcade , Virtual , Acer , Chase

Google to start selling domain names
2006-12-19 22:44:02
Google will be selling domain names in their ever increasing diverse expansion. For US$10 a year, Google will sell web addresses ending in .com, .org, .net, .biz, and .info. Partnering with GoDaddy.com and ENom for domain registration services, the registration is processed with Google Apps for the Domain set up process. Users will have full control of their domain settings and will be allowed to use the domain with any non-Google service. All purchases will include Google Apps For the Domain, Calendar Email and Google?s Page Creator, a solution that was meant to help customers build a website with ease. apps, domain names, domain registration services, domain settings, email, enom, godaddy, google, News, sell web, web addresses
More About: Google , Selling , Domain Names , Domain Name

Linksys releases new iPhone models for Skype
2006-12-19 22:44:02
Links ys has released 2 new phones in its iPhone product line. The two new phones will be the CIT400 iPhone Dual-Mode Internet Telephony Kit for Skype , and model WIP300, the iPhone Wireless-G Phone for Skype (as pictured). All devices will come with embedded Skype technology so that you won’t need a computer to make calls. Prices will be $179.99 for the CIT400 and $199.99 for the WIP320. Read [Linksys] Communication, computer, dual mode, internet telephony, iphone, linksys, Networking, Peripherals, skype, wip300
More About: Models , Iphone

iPod Death Clock
2006-12-19 22:44:02
iPod Mechanic is going to offer a way to check how long your iPod’s life is left in this world. You can find that out by going to iPod Death Clock . Type in your iPod Serial Nmber, answer a few questions about the general usage and the software algorithms will crank out your iPod’s life expectancy. This is for entertainment purposes only, but it would be a good way to relatively know when you need a new one or to plan to save up for one. Read [Tuaw] Apple, ipod, life expectancy, PC, Software, software algorithms
More About: Ipod , Lock

Verbatims new Colored Background Lighscribe CD-Rs
2006-12-19 22:44:02
Verbatim has announced that they are going to ship the first Color ed Back ground LightScribe CD-R and CD-RWs. LightScribe is an innovative technology that uses a special disc drive, special media, and label-making software to burn labels directly onto CDs and DVDs. Because the labels are laser-etched?not printed?there’s no ink, no smudging, and no peeling. Compaq/HP computers are the leading manufacturers currently putting LightScribe technology onto their CD/DVD burners. Separate standalone LightScribe CD/DVD burners are also available. compaq, disc drive, dvds, hp computers, laser etched, lightscribe dvd burners, PC, Peripherals, verbatim
More About: Ground , Background , Crib

Press the PANIC button
2006-12-19 22:44:02
Looking for the PANIC button? Real Computer now gives you a chance to purchase a real PANIC computer key with double-sided tape that fits on any keyboard. Sold as a set of 4 for $9.99, it is a massive stress reliever for all walks of life. For other humorous keyboard key options, there is the “Any Key” or buy the whole set of keys (with a set saying “Panic ”, “Any Key”, “Beer”, “duh!”, “$”, “Oops!”, “Eject” and a Smiley face). Product Page [Computer Gear] computer gear, computer key, duh, keyboard key, page computer, panic button, Peripherals, real computer, stress reliever
More About: Press , Button , Butt

Sony to launch new video service
2006-12-19 22:44:02
Sony has announced that it is launching a new video download service in 2007 (exact date not determined). It will allow users to download full length/ feature movies to their personal computers and PS3 systems. Movies downloaded to the PC can be stored and transferred to the PSP consoles with a memory card. Sony Pictures Entertainment will provide the bulk of movies with movies from other studios being added later. Read [Sony] Announcements, PC, Playstation 3
More About: Video , Sony , Service , Launch , Vice

Turn your TV into Art
2006-12-19 22:44:02
Turn your TV into modern home decor, create vivid moving designs with light and sound and “Experience television in a whole new way” … TV2ART enhances the beauty of your home whether the television is on or off. When your TV is on, TV2ART Screens capture light and color to create glowing, ever-changing patterns that both fascinate and mesmerize! TV2ART works great with any movie, television show or the free TV2ART DVD Sampler ?Colors in Motion? included with each TV2ART Screen. TV2ART Screens can be easily removed - simply peel the screen off of the TV from one end to the other. Source [TV2Art] Design
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Nintendo Wii strap replacements and DS recalls
2006-12-16 04:41:01
It has been reported that Nintendo will “voluntarily exchange” an estimated 3.2 million straps for the Wii game console. This is after a barrage of complains from gamers complaining on how easily it snaps off the game console remote (dumbed the Wiimote). Reports have been of damaged televisions, windows and even minor injuries. Nintendo has also announced a recall on about 200,000 adapters for its DS and DS Lite handheld game machines in Japan due to current overheating that may cause burns. There have been several innovative unofficial solutions to fix the faulty Wii control straps but Karunga from Infinitipower tops the lot. It may very well be an ingenious (yet cheap) solution yet. gamers, game console, game machines, Gaming, handheld game, Miscellaneous, News, nintendo, wii
More About: Nintendo Wii , Men , Recall

8-inch USB pole dancer now for sale online
2006-12-15 16:40:02
This 8-inch USB pole dancer spins around as music is played and British Store Marks & Spencer had to axe the item in its first week of sale due to customer outrage. This Barbie look-a-like on a poll is now available for around £29.95 ($53) at Boys Stuff (way more than the original £19.50 retail price due to its notoriety in the UK). Order now and you can expect it by 12/20. Product page [Boys Stuff] Via [UK Daily Mail]
More About: For Sale , Usb , Dance , Sale , Online

The world?s first underwater hotel
2006-12-15 10:40:01
Poseidon is the world’s first underwater hotel. Costing $500 million, the Poseidon Mystery Island will be a 1.1 million square foot complex submerged in a 5000 acre coral lagoon in Fiji. The hotel, which will sit in about 40 feet of water, will boast individual suites, as well as a library, a wedding chapel and a restaurant. In addition to scuba diving, the guests will be able to cruise around the lagoon in either a 16-person submarine capable of 300-foot-depths, or learn to pilot a three-person Triton sub, which can reach 1,000 feet. Each individual suite will be 550 square feet large, will feature a Jacuzzi, and will be capped by four-inch-thick acrylic windows, which make up about 70 percent of the wall space. Fish feeders will fire food into the water to attract local wildlife. To prevent overfeeding, the system will be limited to a prescribed number of cartridges each day. Via [Popular Science]
More About: World , Hotel , Water , The World , First

Daimler Chrysler?s Lithium-ion hybrid
2006-12-15 10:40:01
Zytek Systems and Lithium Technology has teamed up with Daimler Chrysler to manufacture a plug-in hybrid run with lithium-ion batteries. The 68 horsepower, 15 liter, 3 cylinder diesel engine vehicle has a max. speed of 84 miles per hour and can be charged by either an electric outlet or by regenerative braking of the car. Smart looking car, it looks like a car with a definite European flavored look. Source [Gadgetell] via [Zytek Systems and Lithium Technology]
More About: Hybrid , Daimler-Chrysler

Blog by speaking into your cell phone
2006-12-14 22:39:01
Vmoblogger allows you to do something out of the ordinary … blogging by phone. No, I don’t mean text messaging through your phone but to dictate blog entries to blogs by just speaking into a cell phone. Pretty ingenious, as the text dictation software technology has been around for a long time and it was about time someone leveraged it. Features of the service include adding animation and uploading a picture with inclusion in your blog entries. Although this service doesn’t come for free, its $4.99 a month fee which includes its Vemail mobile phone software and Vmobcaster podcasting software, is well worth it for those bloggers on the move. Be sure to check whether your phone/ phone carrier is compatible before purchasing the service.
More About: Phone , Cell Phone , Cell , Blog , Your

Photoshop CS3 Beta released tommorow
2006-12-14 22:39:01
Adobe Systems Inc. will make a download available for an early public beta of its next-generation graphics editor, Photo shop CS3 tomorrow (Friday 14th Dec), . In order to download the Photos hop CS3 beta, users will need a valid serial number to one of the various Creative Suite 2.0 distributions. The release will be made available exclusively in English, but that will not preclude users of international distributions from participating in the beta test. Source [Adobe] Via [Appleinsider]
More About: Photoshop , Beta , Shop