I have a splitting headache. There was so much real news today, mostly Android-y, we happily skipped this junk: GM's Wi-Fi, Apple Store POS, Virgin/Helio, Xbox Sky and a Blu-ray player only dumb people will buy. Dun dun DUN.
GM's offering in-car internet for $500 and +$29 a month. Great! This is a stupid thing to get—think about devices like the MiFi, and ask yourself who would buy this. Plus, do you really want to buy a GM? If you go American, go Ford. They have cool tech! [Engadget]
Apple stores are ditching those clunky handheld point of sale computers—which are Windows-run—for iPod touches that can do the same thing. There's no way to write this story up without making an easy Microsoft joke, which isn't fair because those point of sale units have been a big part of why Apple stores have been such easy places to drop loads of cash. [AppleInsider]
Virgin erases Helio and the Ocean 2. But not before we erased the love and care we had back in 2007 for the company. Remember how progressive they were? Were? [Mobile Crunch]
JVC's $200 Blu-ray player does not stream media and does not cost less than the LG bd370 which does. It doesn't even cost less than the PS3, which also, you know, plays games. Do not buy. [JVC]
But currently no plans to break away from Android 2.0
Google has said that it has no plans at present to offer?Google Maps Navigation?on other platforms like the iPhone?or BlackBerry?handsets for the time being, but hinted that might not always be the case.
"It's currently only available for the Android 2.0 OS," Michael Siliski, Product Manger for Google Maps?told Pocket-lint, however when pushed further did confirm that the iPhone 3GS would have the graphics power and OpenGL support to offer the software, perhaps suggesting an updated app could be in the works.
The new offering, called Google Maps Navigation, aims to take on GPS offerings from TomTom and Garmin by offering a fully functional GPS device in your phone. Users will be able to speak their directions to the handset rather than having to type them in and access maps and Points of Interest via the "cloud" suggesting mapping updates and new features needed to be downloaded will be a thing of the past.
With an Android 2.0 requirement, that currently limits the new service to the Verizon Droid handset, launching on 6 November in the US, perhaps another reason why the Google Maps Navigation is US only for the time being.
We will keep you posted.
Tags: Car And GPS Phones Google Google Maps Navigation GPS GPS software iPhone iPhone 3GS BlackBerry Motorola Droid
Google Maps Navigation "could" run on iPhone 3GS originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:37:06 +0000
Apple loves rejecting apps for having swear words in them, but a database of scantily clad Asian ladies? Approved! Who needs a rhyme or reason when you can be random and inscrutable? [iTunes Link via TechCrunch]
The Mole webcam infiltrates your inner sanctum, records the goings on and automatically sends the footage to YouTube. It can also notify you via email or Twitter.
In other words, this would be a great, inexpensive home surveillance cam. It's supposed to be a snap to set up, and you can access the feed and control the pan and tilt of the camera from any PC or internet capable cellphone. For $300, Astak also throws in motion detection, night vision, two-way audio and a built-in DVR. I have to believe this is as good a feature set as you will find on a webcam at this price point.
ASTAK INTRODUCES WORLD'S FIRST SELF-CONFIGURING, STANDALONE INTERNET CAMERA IDEAL FOR KEEPING AN EYE ON HAPPENINGS AT HOME
YouTube, Twitter and iPhone ready, the affordable and easy-to-use Mole is the first "do it yourself, view from anywhere" solution for remote viewing and sharing
SAN JOSE, Calif.–October 28, 2009–The lowly mole is a victim of poor PR, but that's about to change with Astak Inc.'s innovative new product, the Mole — a standalone Internet camera for consumers who need an easy and affordable way to capture, view and share unattended video over the Internet. Featuring automatic network configuration, the Mole makes it simple for home or business users to remotely view and share video in real-time from any web browser, social networking site, or Internet-capable cell phone, including the iPhone.
Unlike current webcams that require a PC for use, or IP cameras that are complicated to set up and often require customer software to view, the Mole is the first "do it yourself, view from anywhere" solution for home or business surveillance, health and family care (elder or children), social network sharing, pet or , bird watching, and other unfolding events such as social gatherings. The Mole is also an ideal way to keep an eye on business or home while traveling.
"The Mole will redefine home and business surveillance, and it also opens the door to using a remote camera for sharing unattended video, since it's Web 2.0 ready," said Jason Hsia, CEO of ASTAK. "Internet citizens are already uploading over 20 hours of video to YouTube every minute. When interesting or important events are underway, you can't always be there to see or record them in person. That all changes with the Mole, where motion-detected events can be auto-uploaded to YouTube and a tweet auto-sent to your Twitter feed."
A standalone Internet camera with advanced built-in software, the Mole provides auto-configuration so that the user can set up the camera in just a few easy steps and access their video privately without any network knowledge. Once set up, the Mole allows users to adjust the pan remotely to change the view instantly. While easy-to-use and affordable, the Mole camera includes high-end features such as motion detection activation, night vision, two-way audio, and a built-in DVR. The Mole also features both Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Mole is designed for direct access from any web browser, which lets users watch their video instantly, from anywhere, including the iPhone. The onboard software is specifically tailored for seamless Internet sharing including auto-uploads to YouTube. Users can also choose to receive real-time alerts via email or Twitter sent to their mobile phone or any IP-enabled device.
Available in early November 2009, the Mole will be distributed through Astak's network of retail and distribution partners, including Fry's, Costco, Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Astak.com, with an MSRP of $299.00.
[Astak]
Verizon Wireless has just made it known to all and sundry that it will be offering the Motorola DROID from November 6th onwards, where you will have to shell out $199 after a $100 mail-in rebate, making it the first of potentially many Android-poweerd smartphones from Verizon. The DROID has a very strong possibility of being a blockbuster hit, where it comes with a lip-smacking 3.7" display at 854 x 480 resolution, a 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash to capture great looking night shots alongside a beta version of Google Maps Navigation to help you find your way around. Will the iPhone shake and quiver at the knees now? [Press Release]
Permalink: Motorola DROID from Verizon Wireless from Ubergizmo | Hot: Zune HD Review
Apple might ends its exclusive carrier agreement with AT&T in 2010, which would also mean the end of a speculated $450 carrier subsidy for the iPhone. Apparently, this scenario would likely happen when Apple works hand in hand with Verizon, where it might command a $300 carrier subsidy thereabouts although initial losses can be stemmed and made up for in volume with Verizon likely to move around 14 million iPhones as projected in the year 2011. Do you think Apple will end its exclusivity with AT&T?
Permalink: Apple could work with Verizon next from Ubergizmo | Hot: Zune HD Review
We knew good and well this thing was coming sometime in November, and now Verizon Wireless has made it official: the Motorola DROID will hit Big Red on November 6th for $199 on contract (after a $100 mail-in rebate). Naturally, the DROID itself is just the first of what could be many Android-laced phones coming to the carrier, and Verizon Wireless CMO John Stratton even stated that the phone "is wide open" -- pretty big words from a company like VZW. Android 2.0 will be front and center, along with Visual Voicemail, a 3.7-inch display (854 x 480 resolution), 5 megapixel camera (with dual-LED flash), a bundled 16GB memory card and a beta version of Google Maps Navigation(!). For those wondering, yeah -- the DROID is the first phone to offer that, which transforms Google Maps into a turn-by-turn routing system that'll have your dedicated TomTom / Garmin trembling in fear. There's also a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 3G, WiFi, voice-activated search and over-the-air Amazon MP3 downloads. With all that, who needs the iPhone, right Ivan?Gallery: Verizon Wireless' DROID by Motorola
Continue reading Motorola DROID official on Verizon: $199 on contract, coming November 6th (video)
Filed under: Cellphones
Motorola DROID official on Verizon: $199 on contract, coming November 6th (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Verizon's "Droid Does" campaign gets a response
An Apple fanboy has hit back at Verizon's Droid Does teaser campaign, created to promote the soon to be officially revealed Motorola Droid handset by bashing the iPhone, with a home-made 'iDon't care" response.
The video, that's currently racked up over 100,000 views on YouTube, states "iDon't need a droid... unless it's R2D2", before ending "iCame first" in reference to the iPhone.
Hit play to see the clip in full, and we'll be sure to bring you all the Motorola Droid - as well as Apple iPhone - news as it happens.
Tags: Phones Mobile phones Verizon Advertising Video Apple iPhone Motorola Droid
VIDEO: Apple fanboy hits back with "iDon't care" clip originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:37:57 +0000
Will this do more than just recharge your Apple gadget?
So you've got an iPhone?(who hasn't) and you know that it's probably the worst device on the planet for actually lasting longer than a couple of hours without needing a charge.
In steps the Griffin Simplifi an iPhone/iPod docking station that is designed for your desk rather than your nightstand, and whose principle aim is to keep your Apple created device powered.
We say principle aim, because the Simplifi is in fact about more than just charging your favourite phone or MP3 player. Closer inspection actually reveals that the Simplifi is about "de-cluttering" your desk, well at least that's what the box says, so what is it exactly?
Put simply (get it) the Simplfi is a memory card reader, USB hub and iPod/iPhone docking station in one.
The square light grey solid lump of anodized aluminium and plastic sports two memory card slots at the front that support CompactFlash, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, SD, and xD formats. Around the back you get two USB ports as well as a power in so those two USB ports can in turn power devices like portable hard drives or keyboards without complaining.
The top of that lump sports the iPhone/iPod dock and there are, as you would expect a series of different "cups" to fit the device you have.
As you might imagine there isn't much to the operation of the Simplifi. Power is provided via the included power adapter, while PC or Mac connectivity is via the included USB cable. ?
Memory cards are automatically accepted once you connect them and the same goes for the iPhone/iPod too. Transfer speeds are based on your memory card capabilities, but they will be fast enough for most.
Grumbles? It would have been nice to have included a USB socket around the front, and just two seems a bit stingy. The design would have allowed, albeit a bit cramped, more sockets to make this a "Real" hub of merit.?
Verdict:
If you are short of space on your desk, need a memory card reader for your camera and looking to expand your USB options (the MacBook and MacBook Pro only comes with two remember), this is as good a way as any in increasing those options.
This is Griffin doing what they do best, creating simply and easy to use products that don't necessarily break the mould, but just work.?
We just wish there were more USB sockets.
Tags: Audio iPod docks iPod accessories iPhone Phones Griffin Griffin Simplifi Memory card readers
Griffin Simplifi dock originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:30:00 +0000