October 2006

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Early Xbox 360 Holiday Treats from EA

October 31, 2006

During the recent X06 event in Barcelona, Spain, Electronic Arts (EA) announced its upcoming holiday line-up for the Xbox 360.

(So many games, so little time ...)

While today's news is all abuzz about the Xbox 360 1080p upgrade (the more to battle the still-to-be-launched Sony PS3, my dear -- sorry to hear about even more shortages at launch) and other neat additions, isn't it all really about the games?

(Don't you think so? )

So here's what EA will be rolling out in the way of holiday treats. Titles include:

FIFA 07 Need for Speed Carbon Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07 NBA LIVE 07 NHL 07 Half Life 2 Superman Returns: The Videogame

www.ea.com

www.xbox.com

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: electronic arts, playstation 3, sony, x06, xbox 360 : Related Tags: holiday treats, holiday

Nintendo Says "Wii" to the Senior Set

October 31, 2006

It'a almost like writing a book report back in elementary school: "This book would be enjoyed by anyone between the ages of 8 and 80."

It seems like Nintendo is taking the same approach with its Wii gaming system -- positioning it not just for kids, but for seniors, too!

How else would you explain the company showing up at Life@50+, an annual event sponsored by AARP?

Intended for those over the age of 50, the event attracted more than 20,000 people and featured a wide range of panel discussions, celebrities and exhibitors showcasing products for older Americans.

How many of you out there will be buying a Wii for grandma this holiday season?

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: aarp, life@50+, nintendo, wii : Related Tags: nintendo

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Coming Soon? A Levi Cell Phone

October 30, 2006

Brand extension?

Jeans to cell phones?

Why not?

How about Levi's planning to offer branded mobile phones?

Yes, hard to believe, but Levi Strauss & Co. has joined with ModeLabs Group to create a line of Levi's-branded mobile phones and accessories that are expected to launch next year.

A denim cell phone? How about made out of real denim?

Should be nice and soft if you accidentally sit on it ...

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: levi strauss & co., levi's, mobile phone, modelabs group : Related Tags: mobile phones, branded mobile, phones

TalkPlus Voice 2.0 app launches

October 30, 2006

TalkPlus, Inc. today is launching their unique mobile phone service that leverages VoIP, identity management, scheduling/contact rules, and other advanced business/personal processes that make your mobile experience more productive while enabling privacy controls. In fact, as I told Jeff Black, Founder and CEO of TalkPlus, Inc, that I consider TalkPlus the Voice 2.0 company within the mobile phone space. He wanted to quote me.

Posted in ITEXPO, Mobile Phones, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: dating, mobile phone, skype, talkplus, voice 2.0, voip, wireless : Related Tags: mobile phone, phone number, business dating, wireless phone, personal business, phone

Is MyCheats.com Your Cheats.com?

October 27, 2006

Seems like only the other day I blogged about video gamers and how cheaters never prosper.

Well, it's a new day, and Ziff Davis' beta of MyCheats.com makes use of the latest in collaborative content, social networking and search technologies to help gamers get the most out of their videogames.

MyCheats.com users can easily create and edit content themselves and can contribute to each others' content as well so that hundreds of gamers can collectively author a segmented, fully searchable game guide.

Following in the collaborative tradition of Wikipedia, the process is simplified so that no code is involved and anyone can contribute immediately.

The site includes strategies from the experts at 1UP.com, Computer Gaming World, Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine and Electronic Gaming Monthly as well as the best gamers on the 1UP Network.

Today's top "What's Hot" rankings:

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Bully Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy Yoshi's Island 2 Splinter Cell Double Agent

www.mycheats.com

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: 1up.com, bully, lego stars wars ii: the original trilogy, marvel: ultimate alliance, mycheats.com, splinter cell double agent, yoshi's island 2, ziff davis : Related Tags: mycheats, gamers, content

Is That a (High-Tech) Wallet in Your Pocket ...

October 27, 2006

... with apologies to W.C. Fields.

(Do I need to tell you the rest of that famous funny line?)

Anyway, I digress.

With new wireless credit cards gaining momentum (SpeedPass anyone?), security has once again become a major issue (as in taking and using someone else's credit card information without them knowing it).

This is now an even greater issue with these new cards being waved in front of the reader with data sent wirelessly from card to pay terminal, rather than the "swipe" that we've all know (and love?).

Well,a California-based company, Kena Kai, has come up with a solution -- a stylish new line of DataSafe Wallets for men and women, specifically designed to protect these new smart card credit cards from wireless identity theft.

The DataSafe wallets incorporate radio-frequency (RF) shielding material to protect the data on the growing number of credit cards that feature the new "Contactless Smart Card Technology." The wallets are designed to complement the inherent security and encryption of the newer generation of these cards.

By incorporating shielding material into the wallet, Kena Kai provides a high-tech solution in a form factor that people understand. The wallet design is based off the Faraday Cage principle which is designed to stop the entry or escape of an electromagnetic (EM) field.

Posted in Accessories

Tagged: contactless smart card technology, faraday cage principle, kena kai, smart cards, speedpass, wallet : Related Tags: credit cards, datasafe wallets, armadillo dollar, shielding material, wallets, credit

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Rimax Mystic VoIP MP3 player

October 27, 2006

The Rimax Mystic is a new MP3 / MP4 and video player that also doubles as a VoIP phone using it's built-in microphone. You connect it to your PC via USB and the Mystic becomes a VoIP phone. Technically it's just another USB audio device with both speaker and microphone that can be used b yany application - whether it be Skype or listening to iTunes. In addition to being able to play your PC audio, and use it as a microphone device for VoIP applications, it recharges while connected to the USB port. Take that video iPod - you got nothing!

The Mystic comes with a full color 1.5" screen and a choice of either 512MB, 1GB or 2GB of memory.

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio, Skype, VoIP

Tagged: mystic, rimax, skype, voip : Related Tags: built microphone, video player, rimax mystic, mystic, microphone, player

Digg outage

October 27, 2006

Digg appears to be down this morning. Hopefully, this isn't a major outage, since Digg.com is a great news resource. I can't get my morning fix of Digg-ing.

Maybe all the rumors about Digg.com being acquired - possibly by News Corp are true and they are in the process of switching over? Nahh. Couldn't be.

Here's a screenshot of the Digg.com outage. They are very vague as to whether it's an upgrade or not, but I hope they are back up soon.

Posted in News

Tagged: digg, digg.com, outage : Related Tags: outage

Google Blogs Alert launches

October 27, 2006

A coworker noticed that his Google Alerts now contained a new "Google Blogs Alert" within his email this morning. Sure enough, I checked my Google Alerts and I saw the new Google Blogs Alert. Sweet! I recall hearing Google was considering adding blogs to Google News and therefore Google Alerts as well, however, this was an unexpected surprise. I went to Google News to see if I could search for my blog's content, but so far I don't see anything.

Posted in Google

Tagged: google, google blog alerts, google news : Related Tags: google alerts, google blogs, blogs alert, google, blogs, alerts

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How Much Is That Celll Phone in the Window: Yes, $1,275

October 26, 2006

Now cell phones compete on features, on price, on coolness, etc., with price usually meaning the cheaper the better. (And the other ones with more the better as the motto.)

Now for something completely different (apolgies to Mr. Python), Bang & Olufsen and Samsung have teamed up to deliver a really cool looking cell phone called Serene. The price, keeping with B & O high-flying prices for its audio gear, is $1,275.

(Yes, you have read correctly.

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: apple, bang & olufsen, david pogue, iphone, new yorkt times, samsung, serene : Related Tags: price, phone, serene, apple

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Chip Switch Goes Both Ways

October 26, 2006

Digital TV may be on the horizon, but we may be having analog/digital TV sets (rather than digital-only) in the future, too.

NXP, the company formerly known as Philips Semiconductors (didn't Prince already do that "formerly known as" play) has invented a semiconductor chip set that permits HD LCD sets to automatically switch between analog and digital signals. The chip will reportedly be built into TV reference designs that manufacturers may begin using in January, according to HD Notebook.

Without getting technical, both reference designs are based on one global silicon platform that enables TV manufacturers to develop hybrid digital/analog LCD TV sets. NXP said it is now able to offer one hybrid platform for all regions worldwide.

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

Tagged: digital tv, hd notebook, nxp, philips semiconductors : Related Tags: reference designs, analog digital, formerly known, digital, analog

Phones For Life: Senior Cell Phones

October 25, 2006

In a recent AARP poll, an estimated 88 percent of seniors throughout the U.S. say they feel safer and more secure with access to a cell phone.

To help in this effort, a non-profit program -– Phones-For-Life –- has been established to collect used cell phones for people over the age of 60. These phones, programmed to be either 911-only phones or phones with 100 in-case-of-emergency minutes, are then donated to anyone over 60, free of charge.

Phones-For-Life has recently extended its reach to schools. Through a new program, Phones-For-Education, students raise money for their school by collecting used cell phones and donating them to seniors in the community.

What's not to love about this?

www.phones4life.org

Posted in Mobile Phones

Comments

Cheaters Never Prosper

October 25, 2006

Finally made it through the Washington Post article about a self-described "professional cheater" -- as in video game cheater.

Let's go to the source for a taste of what this article is all about:

Today's video games are anything but easy, the 24-year-old will tell you. And to get through the intricate, challenging, mind-numbing levels of City of Heroes and The Godfather, two games he's currently stuck on, he needs help.

Web sites such as 1Up.com provide gamers with tips, tricks, tutorials and outright cheating strategies for games. Magazines such as Tips & Tricks, boast of their "Cheat Code Blowout!" Or 150-page strategy guides, the Cliffs Notes of gamers, last year drew $67 million in sales, according to the NPD Group.

... Or how about MyCheats.com, a Wikipedia for the gaming set?

Does anybody out there use these sites -- or do you play strictly by the book?

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: 1up.com, cities of heroes, mycheats.com, the godfather, tips & tricks, washington post : Related Tags: games

trixbox 2.0 released

October 25, 2006

trixbox 2.0 beta will be available for download on Wednesday. This release will be Fonality's first big contribution to the trixbox/Asterisk community after the recent Fonality acquisition of trixbox. which certainly caused a stir within the Asterisk community. I spoke with Chris Lyman, CEO of Fonality, to find out more about this major new release of trixbox.

First, I should point out that while previous version of trixbox have always been the easiest way to get Asterisk up and running in just minutes, trixbox 2.0 is much more than that. First and foremost, trixbox 2.0 includes a new 'overall' web GUI to make the whole process "point and click".

Posted in Asterisk, Linux, VoIP

Tagged: asterisk, laamp, laamps, lamp, mysql, sugarcrm, trixbox, trixbox 2.0, voip : Related Tags: hudlite freepbx, asterisk community, trixbox, asterisk, install, fonality

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Unsigned Artists Get Their Own Upload Site

October 24, 2006

I used to have a lot of fun looking throught the cut-out bins at record stores for LPs by artists that looked or sounded interesting.

(Does anybody know what I'm talking about?)

And I used to find some good albums and artists that I might not have ever heard about.

Now, in a similar vein but with a modern twist, www.MP3Musicgrams.com, a free music promotion site that features MP3 music uploads, and Musicgrams, have entered into an online artist promotion and revenue sharing partnership with MusicGorilla.com. Both of these sites offer unique services for new unsigned artists to promote their music.

MusicGorilla.com places artist’s music directly onto pages built for major labels, indie labels and film studios. Artists get access to free submissions for film, TV and video games; they are eligible for free live label showcases, digital distribution and more. MusicGorilla.com does not take any piece of any deals made on the site.

Music fans can preview and send music without effectively downloading the MP3 and have the ability to forward the Musicgram to other friends and fans once received and opened up.

In the Music Fan and artist contest that runs through December 11, artists and bands (in all musical genres from rock to country to hip hop) can upload a promo MP3, image and add their website link to direct users back to their site.

It works for both fans and bands.

Let me know if it works for you.

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio, Reviews

Tagged: mps3musicgrams.com, musicgorilia.com, musicgrams, unsigned bands : Related Tags: buffalo soldier, soldier music, unemployment records, unsigned artists, tracks cryout, music

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In-car P2P solution streams video in vehicles going 100mph

October 24, 2006

This from the weird & wacky. The Public Safety Broadband Consortium, a group that includes InfiNet Wireless, Lockheed Martin Information Technology, Public Safety Broadband and Wi-Fi Citywide, will be demonstrating the use of live streaming video from law enforcement vehicles traveling in excess of 100 mph during the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Police Vehicle Test Day this Thursday, using a mesh network and peer-to-peer (P2P) technology.

The objective of the Public Safety Broadband Consortium a group that includes InfiNet Wireless, Lockheed Martin Information Technology, Public Safety Broadband and Wi-Fi Citywide is to demonstrate advances in the use of wireless broadband technology for public safety officials. The LASD's Police Vehicle Test Day is an annual event that primarily focuses on vehicles themselves, with a testing process designed to address law enforcement officer's operational requirements.

The live demonstration will feature Lockheed Martin's In-Car Mobile Mesh Digital Video solution, using InfiNet Wireless 4.9 GHz mesh routers in four state of the art police vehicles.

Posted in Video Hardware & Software, Wireless

Tagged: mesh network, network, p2p, police, speeding, streaming, video, wifi : Related Tags: police officer, public safety, streaming video, safety broadband, technology public, police

Lenovo Taking Over Printer Market?

October 23, 2006

The computer printer market has been pretty much HP's for such a long time now it's hard to believe there's much competition (but don't tell Lexmark, Epson or Canon that ...)

Now, in what could have seismic implications in this pretty staid market, Lenovo is planning to make an entrance (and we mean major, as in major entrance) into the printer market.

According to Lyra Research, Lenovo has a vision for a Chinese consortium of printer and supplies makers. Such a Chinese consortium, operating under the protection of the Chinese government, could have a major impact on foreign printer makers’ sales in the domestic Chinese market.

If Lenovo succeeds in creating a global competitor, the vast printer markets in India and other emerging nations may be up for grabs.

(And how about the good old U.S. of A.?)

Larry Jamieson, director of Lyra's Hard Copy Industry Advisory Service, said, "Companies such as Canon, Epson and HP stand to lose significant market share rapidly if Lenovo's strategy is realized. By realigning and leveraging existing infrastructure from numerous domestic printer makers, Lenovo's consortium could realize major gains in the Chinese market and will be poised, essentially, to take on the world's markets."

Isn't it always something ...

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: canon, computer printer, epson, hp, lenovo, lexmark, lyra research : Related Tags: printer market, chinese market, printer makers, chinese consortium, market, printer

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Lost: One iPod

October 23, 2006

Can the Internet and gadgets blogs also serve as a giant virtual "Lost & Found"?

An interesting idea put forth today on ZDNet that a daisy-chain link ups of gadgets (and other) blogs can restore a lost black iPod to its owner.

So, in the sense that we've all lost a beloved gadget and sorely hoped that my some miracle it would be returned, let's see if our readers can be of any help returning this iPod to its rightful owner.

Once again, here's the link ...

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio

Tagged: ipod, lost & found, zdnet : Related Tags: gadgets blogs

Comments

World PSTN Call Progress Tones Database

October 23, 2006

Telephony developers working in VoIP, PBXs, VoIP gateways, phones, modems and other PSTN technologies that are developing products internationally have to know the varying international call progress tones that differ from country-to-country. Of course, figuring out the disconnect or other progress tones isn't that difficult. Sure you could discover each progress tone's by recording the tones to a .wav file and then use a sound editor program to figure out the exact Hz -- but why go through all that trouble?

You can just head on over to 3am Systems and search their centalized call progress database to get an instant answer. They call their 'World PSTN Tone Database', which will not only tell you the proper Hz and cadence, but it will even display the proper Zaptel/Asterisk string for easy copy/pasting into your Asterisk system.

Posted in Asterisk, Mobile Phones, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: call progress tones, hz, modem, mysql, pbx, php, pstn, voip : Related Tags: progress tones, sipura linksys, display proper, progress, tones, search

Comments

EQO VoIP / IM client now supports Windows Mobile and Blackberry mobile phones

October 23, 2006

Remember my in-depth overview of EQO Communications and their mobile-to-VoIP (Skype), mobile-to-IM (GoogleTalk, AOL, Skype, etc.) and mobile-to-social communities software?

Well, I had word last week that tomorrow EQO Communications will announce support for RIM Blackberry and Windows Mobile powered devices. With this latest release, Blackberry and Windows Mobile users will be able to access EQO Mobile, a platform that enables VoIP calling and instant messenger services (including AOL AIM, ICQ, GoogleTalk, Jabber, MSN, Yahoo! and Skype) on mobile devices.

According to EQO, the addition of handsets such as the Blackberry Pearl and Treo 700w brings the number of EQO-supported handsets to more than 400 mobile devices, including Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Palm, LG, Panasonic, Phillips, Siemens, Sanyo, Sharp and Samsung.

Although I already covered EQO extensively in a prior post, essentially EQO gives you click-to-call mobile VoIP and click-to-chat mobile IM using a patent pending core IP that uses proprietary call signaling that is P2P-based and cross device/network domain. It leverages mobile data (SMS) to control the signalling and the mobile voice network for the media stream to the mobile phone, so for instance you don't need the Skype, AOL, GoogleTalk, etc. clients running on your cell phone.

Posted in Google, Mobile Phones, Skype, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: aim, aol, eqo, googletalk, icq, im, jabber, mobile phone, msn, skype, voip, yahoo : Related Tags: windows mobile, mobile devices, blackberry windows, skype mobile, mobile, skype

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Reflexive Celebrates Birthday with a Freebie

October 20, 2006

What better way to celebrate a birthday than by giving a gift?

With that nice thought in mind, Reflexive Entertainment is giving everyone a gift -- the full version of its modern-day classic PC game Ricochet Xtreme, considered the measuring stick for all breakout-styled games.

(Until November 15, that is.)

Reflexive launched the Ricochet series back in 2001 and now those games, including the sequel Ricochet Lost Worlds and the further expanded Ricochet Lost Worlds: Recharged, have been downloaded more than 20 million times (and also released on Xbox, Mac and mobile phones).

Join the party at www.reflexive.com!

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: reflexive entertainment, ricochet extreme : Related Tags: ricochet, reflexive

When the Facts Aren't Necessarily the Facts

October 20, 2006

How about this from Engadget about the "factual" comparison between Sony's PS3 system, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii?

Remember in Dragnet when Officer Joe Friday stated: "Just the facts, ma'am"?

Maybe they need to make a few additional housecalls ...

(Thanks to the Quick Seek Encyclopedia for the image.)

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: dragnet, microsoft, nintendo wii, ps3, quick seek encyclopedia, sony, xbox 360 : Related Tags: facts

VoIP Security Podcast

October 20, 2006

Dan York, a Mitel employee, VoIP security buff, and a blogger + podcaster was at the recent ITEXPO and TMC allowed him to record some of the paid conferences plus post them online for all to hear. Dan writes for Blue Box Podcast, where he posts a ton of podcasts on VoIP.

I'm still recovering from the ITEXPO blur, so I missed some of the interesting conference sessions I wanted to check out. Maybe I'll head on over to Blue Box Podcast and listen to the "Intro to VoIP Security" panel that Dan posted online. Dan told me it's been downloaded 340 times so far. Pretty impressive!

Posted in ITEXPO, VoIP

Tagged: dan york, mitel, podcast, security, voip : Related Tags: security, podcast

Is the Phone of the Future FuturePhone?

October 20, 2006

Leave it to David Pogue in his New York Times "Circuits" column to explain the business model for a company named FuturePhone, which offers totally (and I mean totally) free international phone calls to more than 50 countries without sign-up, fees or surrendering your name or address.

(Yes, you may want to read that over again to make sure you understand it completely.)

How do they do that you ask? And more importantly, is it for me?

Take a click here to find out.

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: circuits, david pogue, futurephone, new york times : Related Tags:

Is Vonage the new AOL?

October 20, 2006

Smith on VoIP asks "Is 'Vonage' the new AOL?" by putting into context my Vonage promotion with Amazon post where a coworker of mine received a Vonage flyer along with Smith on VoIP receiving a Vonage flyer in his gas bill and his SEAR's bill. He jokes how he can't seem to escape the Vonage marketing onslaught and he is reminded of AOL's marketing onslaught by mailing millions of AOL software CDs to just about every single American household.

In my Vonage Amazon post, I wrote:
Wouldn't Vonage would be better off doing local mailings to target a broader audience? There is a huge demographic of broadband users that only use the Internet for email -- for staying in touch with friends/family and only some occasional surfing. Many parents, or those >45 years old fall into this category. A banner ad won't work on these people, since they don't surf enough, nor are they tech-savvy enough to realize the savings VoIP could bring them.

Posted in VoIP

Tagged: aol, voip, vonage : Related Tags: vonage flyer, marketing onslaught, vonage, flyer, think, amazon

Comments

Skype Journal comments on ITEXPO

October 19, 2006

Phil Wolff over at Skype Journal was at ITEXPO and he has some interesting comments. For one he comments on there not being a lot of Skype-related products at the show when he states:
It was bizarre for me, all VoIP but almost no Skype in the hall, and none in the official program. This conference brings VoIP resellers and enterprise buyers (seen above in masthead photo) to the exhibitors, corporate VoIP toolmakers. Skype, as far as these folks are concerned, is in another industry, consumer VoIP, and not their business.

Posted in ITEXPO, VoIP

Tagged: benzy fernando, itexpo, skype, skype journal, voip : Related Tags: enterprise buyers, skype journal, resellers enterprise, enter exhibit, skype related, skype

Google stock continues to impress

October 19, 2006

According to the wires, Google is reporting a 70 percent year-over-year increase in revenue of $2.69 billion in its third quarter 2006 fiscal results, which ended Sept. 30. The Internet search engine also announced a non-GAAP operating income of $1.03 billion, a net income of $812 million and earnings per share of $2.62. While these earnings are not reflective of Google's recent acquisition of YouTube, they do indicate Google's partnerships with eBay, Fox Interactive Media and Intuit.

Posted in Google

Tagged: google, internet, search, stock, yahoo, youtube : Related Tags: internet search, spend advertising, dominate internet, google adsense, google, search

How Many Batteries Does a Recall Make? 9.6 Million

October 19, 2006

That's right -- 9.6 million. That's the number (as it stands today) of the number of batteries that Sony has recalled because of safety problems.

Just about every notebook computer manufacturer has been hit by this problem.

Do you think desktop sales will go up and notebook sales will go down because of this?

Will be interesting to see the sales figures once the holiday shopping season is complete.

(Of course, this will not take into account notebook sales to "mobile warriors," those guys and gals who just can't stay glued to their desk jobs for any amount of meaningful time ...)

NewsFactor has got the details ...

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: newsfactor, notebook battery recall, sony : Related Tags: notebook sales, batteries, sales, million, notebook

An Apple a Day Doesn't Keep the Doctor Away: iPods with a Virus

October 19, 2006

Can you believe this news about iPods shipping with a virus?

It's finger-pointing central, with Apple blaming Microsoft, and Microsoft having none of it.

Who's to blame?

Read the details here.

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio

Tagged: apple, ipod, microsoft : Related Tags: virus

Comments

Sony Recalls Sony Batteries

October 18, 2006

Who said misery loves company?

(Well, they would be right in this situation.)

Sony is now recalling its own notebook computer batteries (didn't want to leave Dell and the other notebook manufacturers feeling lonely, I guess) to the count of 90,00 Vaio batteries.

The problem? It's overheating and fire potential, just like other 8 million Sony batteries that have been recalled so far.

Do you think more Vaio batteries will be added to that total?

Would not surprise me!

Want to know more, click here.

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: dell, notebook battery recall, sony, vaio : Related Tags: batteries

Orange Messenger by Windows Live: Goin' Mobile Messaging

October 18, 2006

Microsoft and France Telecom have launched mobile messaging into the PC and mobile space with "Orange Messenger by Windows Live" (some name, huh?).

This will provide access to the Windows Live Messenger community and to the Orange portal services, enabling consumers to access an instant messaging service “Orange Messenger by Windows Live” that promises to delivers rich communications services experience on the PC and mobile, including all-the-time access to contacts.

By using the Windows Live platform, the new Orange Messenger by Windows Live service will enable the 135 million France Telecom European customers (served by Orange or another brand) to interact with 240 million worldwide Windows Live Messenger users.

It will provide a connection to all of the Orange portal services: E-mail, blog, ring tones, logos and “today’s page,” while continuing to have access to the Windows Live services.

Following its deployment in France, the UK and Spain, Orange and Microsoft will combine their expertise to offer Orange customers the following innovative services over the coming months:

On PC: Video over IP, multi-videoconferencing, etc. On Mobile: Interoperability of Orange Messenger by Windows Live with other mobile operators, SMS service continuity and 3G videoconference

Now this should be interesting ...

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: france telecom, microsoft, orange, orange messenger by windows live, windows live messenger : Related Tags: orange messenger, messenger windows, orange portal, access windows, portal services, orange

Comments

New T@lkster mobile phone client

October 18, 2006

Alec Saunders has an interesting post about T@lkster, a solution that lets you make inexpensive long-distance calls from any mobile handset worldwide - without downloading new software to the mobile device. I think we're now up to 432,459 ways of initiating a call.

T@lkstar also features IM and presence. Alec compares them with Jajah and Rebtel. Go check it out.

Posted in Mobile Phones, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: im, mobile phone, t@lkstar, voip : Related Tags: mobile

Comparison Shopping Goes Mobile with Slifter

October 17, 2006

It’s easy to go comparison shopping for gadgets when you're at home or work -- you check out various websites that can give you online price comparisons for anything you can dream of.

And for the Sunday couch potatoes, it's easy to check out the weekly circulars from Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA (and even Target) to get guidance on how much the gadget you crave (or need) is going to set you back.

But what about if you happen to be in a store -- yes, that "bricks" thing from the glory days of the Internet when it was "bricks" (physical stores) vs. "clicks" (online retailers)?

Well, look what I have for you!

GPShopper’s Slifter (www.slifter.com) works with any cell phone model and carrier and it's as easy as pie to use.

Just go to Slifter on your cell phone, type in some product information and your zip code and presto! you can view a description of the product, list of prices, store locations, phone numbers and directions to that location.

In a rush and want a fast result? Text what you want plus your zip code to 95173 to get fast easy results. With a Shopping List and Send-to-Friend option, you no longer have to tell people what you want for the holidays, anniversaries or birthdays. Be direct and to the point – the beauty of a text message is you know the person receives it!

Oh, and did I mention that the service is free?

Posted in Mobile Phones

Comments

'iPhone' Phone Home: Apple Wants You

October 17, 2006

It's always fun to read AppleInsider for the latest news, buzz and rumors of what's going on inside the core of Apple Computer.

Well, it's not a surprise to many of us (I expect) to read today about Apple seeking the rights to the iPhone trademark. (Love to add this little symbol after the word ... ®)

(Thanks to ilounge.com -- formerly ipodlounge.com -- for the photo above.)

Does this suggest that Apple plans to use this term for its iPod cell phone? Duh ...

The September 15 filing, made with a Far Eastern trademark office, is the latest in "a long list of incontrovertible evidence to suggest the Cupertino, Calif.-based iPod maker is in the final developmental stages of the project."

Here's some excerpts from the report:

Apple describes iPhone as "handheld and mobile digital electronic devices for the sending and receiving of telephone calls, faxes, electronic mail, and other digital data; MP3 and other digital format audio players."

Under the primary but broad classification, Apple said iPhone may also consist of "electronic handheld units for the wireless receipt and/or transmission of data that enable the user to keep track of or manage personal information."

Similarly, it may include "software for the redirection of messages, Internet e-mail, and/or other data to one or more electronic handheld devices from a data store on or associated with a personal computer or a server; and software for the synchronization of data between a remote station or device and a fixed or remote station or device."

Of particular interest is a secondary classification of iPhone listed in the filing which pertains to a "stand alone video game machine," implying that the device may be compatible with the handful of arcade games recently introduced for Apple's fifth-generation video iPod players.

Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?

And the speculation continues ...

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio, Mobile Phones

Tagged: apple, appleinsider, ilounge.com, iphone, ipod cell phone, ipodlounge.com : Related Tags: station device, electronic handheld, remote station, apple, iphone, electronic

Comments

Free phone calls to 40 countries using VoIP

October 17, 2006

Two interesting calling promotions being offered by Raketu. First, their "Try Dialout For Free" promotion allows users to try RakOut (Raketu’s dialout service) to call locations in more than 40 countries for free. This mirrors Skype's free SkypeOut promotion until the end of 2006, but Skype's promo is only good for 2 countries - the U.S. and Canada vs.

Posted in Skype, VoIP

Tagged: p2p, phone calls, raketu, rakout, skype, voip : Related Tags: locations countries, countries, raketu, skype, calls, calling

Comments

Creative VoIP pricing plans

October 17, 2006

deltathree, announced that its Consumer Group, iConnectHere, has launched the "World Plan", a new calling service that offers low by-the-minute rates and reduced monthly fees. The World Plan includes a free phone adapter shipped anywhere worldwide, an option to choose a telephone number from 12 different countries combined with low international calling rates, all starting at just $6.99 per month. So let me get this straight -- Free phone adaptor shipped anywhere in the world, for just $6.99/month and you get cheap VoIP minutes? Amazing what a crowded VoIP market will do to force VoIP service providers to come up with creative VoIP pricing plans to entice customers.

Of course, there are other providers offering similarly low-priced plans, but usually they're softphone-based solutions or require you to purchase the phone adaptor/ATA. I think as the pricepoint drops closer and closer to zero, value-add features will become more critical in acquiring customers.

Posted in VoIP

Tagged: deltathree, iconnecthere, voip : Related Tags: phone adaptor, pricing plans, shipped anywhere, features, phone, calling

DigitalLife 2006 Award Winners

October 16, 2006

The votes have been tallied and the winners are ready to be announced for the DigitalLife 2006 "Best of Show" Awards.

The show wrapped up yesterday at the Javits Center in New York.

And now -- without further ado -- here are the award rwinners:

BEST OF SHOW: Sony PlayStation 3, Sony Electronics http://www.sonystyle.com/

MEDIA DEVICE: Neuros OSD, Neuros Technology http://www.neurostechnology.com/

PORTABLE GEAR: Mio DigiWalker H610, Mios Technology http://www.miogps.com/

HOME THEATER PRODUCT: HP Media Smart 37" HDTV, Hewlett-Packard http://www.hp.com/

SOFTWARE: Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/

GAMING HARDWARE: Sony PlayStation 3, Sony Electronics http://www.sonystyle.com/

GAMING SOFTWARE: Final Fantasy XII, Square ENIX http://www.fightfordalmasca.com/

GIFT FOR KIDS: Fisher Price SparkArt Easel, Fisher Price http://www.fisher-price.com/

GIFT FOR ADULTS: MacMedia ETCHamac, MacMedia http://www.etchamac.com/

FUTURE TECHNOLOGY: Whitebox Robotics 914 PCbot, Whitebox Robotics http://www.whiteboxrobotics.com/

SOFTWARE INNOVATOR: Sharpcast http://www.sharpcast.com/

HARDWARE INNOVATOR: Ruckus MediaFlex Router, Ruckus Wireless http://www.ruckuswireless.com/

AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY: CellSTART http://www.cell-start.com/

BEST BOOTH: Sony Electronics http://www.sonystyle.com/

HIPPEST BOOTH: Napster http://www.napster.com/

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: cellstart, final fantasy xii, fisher price, hp media smart hdtv, macmedia, microsoft windows vista, mio digiwalker h610, napster, neuros osd, ruckus mediaflex, sharpcast, sony playstation 3, whitebox robotics : Related Tags: fisher price, electronics sonystyle, macmedia etchamac, whitebox robotics, technology, fisher

I Can Hear Clearly Now: HD Radio Rebates

October 16, 2006

It would be really great to be able to sit in the car and hear great, high-quality, static-free radio.

Well, those (don't have to be a subscriber) days are coming clsoer and closer.

In a play to make HD radios more affordable, including tabletops and car adapters, iBiquity is discounting models by up to $50, lowering the costs of some receivers to less than $200.

(iBiquity Digital is the developer and licenser of HD Radio technology.)

The "Holiday Rebate Program" was was just launched and will continue through January 14, 2007.

What's it all about? Be the first to get a HD radio today and see!:

Get FM-quality sound on your AM dial Get CD-quality sound on your FM dial Discover new stations between known frequencies Get more of your favorite local programming Enjoy info on your dial, such as traffic data and stock info

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio

Tagged: hd radio, holiday rebate program, ibiquity : Related Tags: quality sound, radio, quality

Comments

New Treo 680 Smartphone for 'Mobile Accomplishers'

October 13, 2006

Here they are in all of their startling multi-colored glory -- the new Treo 680 from Palm. The official launch was yesterday at DigitalLife in New York City.

The target audience was very clearly defined during the press conference -- people who are ready to move up to a full-featured mobile phone that includes everything needed to stay organized, aka "mobile accomplishers" rather than "mobile professionals."

Palm is targeting new users in the rapidly growing smartphone and feature-phone markets, a market that will be 25% of all wireless handsets worldwide will be smartphones by 2011.

A GSM/GPRS/EDGE quad-band world phone, the 680 is slimmer and and more compact than older Treos, but still packs such features as email, web browsing, messaging, multimedia, calendar and contacts.

What's most noticeable about the new Treo is the absence of the antenna (no antenna!) -- besides the choice of colors: arctic, copper, crimson and graphite.

(They are trying to make my Treo 650 look corporate ...)

Here's what Palm president and CEO Ed Colligan had to say about it:

"The Treo 680 is the smartphone for everyone. It's small, sleek, fast and comes in a variety of fun colors. It's a great phone design, great for messaging and email and provides users easy and fast access to the Internet and to their favorite music and pictures, and makes it easy for people to manage and balance their business and personal lives while on the go."

If you want to know all of the details, click here for the Palm press release.

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: mobile accomplishers, palm, treo 650, treo 680 : Related Tags: mobile accomplishers, mobile, phone, smartphone

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Audiocodes Transcoding Resource Blade (TRB) blade products now available

October 13, 2006

AudioCodes (NASDAQ:AUDC), today announced general availability of the Transcoding Resource Blade (TRB) family of blade products. The TRB products support IP to IP conversion of a wide range of standard and low bit-rate (LBR) coders, including: G.711, G.726, G.727, G.723.1, G.729.a, iLBC, GSM-FR, GSM-EFR, AMR and others. Alan Percy from Audiocodes is here at ITEXPO (he's a keynoter) and I ran into him last night and we talked for a bit. (Audiocodes is also exhibiting at the show.) I'm surprised Alan didn't tell me about this news being announced today.

In any event, the new line of Transcoding Resource Blade products addresses the IMS market's needs for complex wireline and wireless VoIP transcoding.

Posted in ITEXPO, VoIP

Tagged: audiocodes, ims, transcoding : Related Tags: blade products, resource blade, transcoding resource, transcoding sessionsipm, transcoding, blade

Pingtel and Voxbone interoperate

October 13, 2006

Pingtel, a provider of open source, Linux-based enterprise VoIP solutions, and Voxbone, a provider of international VoIP origination services will announce on Monday the completion of interoperability testing between their respective offerings. As a result of this certification, customers can select Pingtel's SIPxchange IP-PBX VoIP software solution in combination with Voxbone's call origination services and thereby benefit from cost-effective calls routed to a SIP-based device (IP-phone, IP-PBX, etc.).

When a customer is in need of an international presence the customer interconnects via VoIP to the closest Voxbone POP. Voxbone then allocates the desired amount of numbers and capacity to the customer. When someone calls to one of these numbers Voxbone forwards the call via VoIP to the customer.

Posted in Linux, VoIP

Tagged: open source, pingtel, sip, voip, voxbone : Related Tags: origination services, numbers voxbone, voxbone, numbers, pingtel, customer

Much Ado at DigitalLife

October 13, 2006

Well it wasn't a disappointed kickoff to DigitalLife 2006 at all yesterday!

(And didn't really expect it to be either; wore outs lots of shoe leather walking the floor of the Javits Center -- but walking is good for you, isn't it?)

We started with the launch of the Treo 680 from Palm (more about that later -- blog, blog, blog) and moved a whole bunch of wideranging topics of interest:

eBay University, which presented educational sessions and workshops to teach beginners and experienced eBay users alike how to sell with success Launch of Final Fantasy XII, the latest in the best-selling Final Fantasy franchise from Square Enix (in stores October 31) Gaming, gaming and gaming! Xbox 360, Xbox Live! and the latest games from Microsoft Game Studios, Square Enix, Konami, Namco, Vivendi, Ubisoft and Electronic Arts More gaming! The $100,000 DigitalLife Pro Am Video Gaming Tournament returned, with CounterStrike, Warcraft III, Quake 4 and F.E.A.R. as the featured games Still more gaming! Debuting at DigitalLife this year was the Boost Mobile MLG Pro Tour, featuring the Playoff series for their nationwide Halo 2 and Smash Bros. tournaments

There's still time to take in the whole show (running through Sunday).

www.digitallife.com

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: digitallife, ebay university, final fantasy xii, palm, smash bros., treo 680 : Related Tags: gaming gaming, final fantasy, gaming, digitallife

Packet8 Videophone update

October 12, 2006

I have some more info about the new Packet8 videophone I wrote about earlier today. I met with Packet8 and asked them about this new product. In my previous post, I stated I heard it will support H.263 -- in fact, it will actually support the better H.264 standard. It will indeed be much smaller than the current Packet8 videophone.

Posted in Packet8, Reviews

Tagged: conferencing, ipod, packet8, sunrocket, uniden, video, voip, vonage : Related Tags: packet videophone, cordless phone, video screen, current packet, wired wireless, packet

Microsoft acquires Colloquis

October 12, 2006

Microsoft's Zig Serafin was one of the keynoters today (Rich has a short video clip of his keynote). He covered Microsoft's Unified Communications plans quite extensively. It was a pretty good overview of Microsoft's plans in the unified communications space. Zig neglected to mention some interesting news announced by Microsoft today that they have acquired Colloquis, a provider of natural language processing technology and online customer interaction solutions. Microsoft will utilize Colloquis technology to enhance the customer service experience on the Internet and incorporate the technology into its own products, including Windows Live to enhance online self-service.

Posted in ITEXPO, Microsoft, Vonage

Tagged: colloquis, microsoft, windows live : Related Tags: service agents, natural language, customer service, colloquis technology, called windows, microsoft

The beauty of San Diego

October 12, 2006

Both Rich Tehrani and Jon Arnold have posted some great photos while attending ITEXPO that give you not only a flavor of what's happening at ITEXPO, but also show the beauty of San Diego. I have to say, San Diego is one of my favorite locations to hold a tradeshow due to the nice weather, great restaurants, and just the overall beauty and character of this city. I hope TMC continues to have our West Coast show in this city, though I due miss when we held ITEXPO at the Hotel Del Coronodo hotel - a famous hotel with a rich history - including the location for the Some Like it Hot movie with Marilyn Monroe and is allegedly haunted. Alas, ITEXPO quickly outgrew the Hotel Del, which required we move to a convention center.

Posted in ITEXPO, News

Tagged: itexpo, jon arnold, rich tehrani, san diego : Related Tags: hotel, itexpo, beauty, diego

DigitalLife Opens Today!

October 12, 2006

... at 1:00 PM (and runs until 8:00 PM) at the Javits Center in New York.

It's also open Friday and Satuday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

(That's a lot of hours ...)

Don't miss one of the rare "open to the general public" consumer electronics shows -- it's like the big CES show in January in Las Vegas but that's for buyers only.

(And if you think DigitalLife gets crowded ...)

Look for me on the show floor. I'll be there starting today.

www.digitallife.com

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: ces, digitallife : Related Tags: digitallife

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New Packet8 videophone coming

October 12, 2006

Sources at Internet Telephony Conference & Expo tell me that a new $150 Packet8 videophone will be launched at CES. I really liked the original Packet8 VideoPhone, which I reviewed here. The original Packet8 Videophone retailed for $299, so Packet8 is certainly bringing the pricepoint of videphones down with their pending $150 videophone. Though my guess is that the videophone is subsidized by requiring customers to sign up for a minimum 1-year contract or more.

Posted in ITEXPO, Packet8, Reviews

Tagged: h.263, packet8, videophone, voip : Related Tags: packet videophone, original packet, service providers, videophone, packet

Frogger at 25

October 12, 2006

Hey, we wrote about Sonic the Hedgehog hitting 15 years old, and now it's time to celebrate the birthday of another one of video's greatest heroes (creatures?) -- Frogger.

That's right, it's Frogger's birthday is being celebrated today and what a big one it is -- 25!!!

Yes, Frogger was born in the video arcades back in 1981 and he has been going strong and dodging traffic ever since.

(Ah, those lilly pads look so peaceful ...)

To join in the celebration, head on over to DigitalLife at the Javits Center in New York City or log onto www.frogger25th.com.

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: digitallife, frogger, sonic the hedgehog, www.frogger25th.com : Related Tags: frogger

Packet Island debuts VoIP Lifecycle Management Solution for Asterisk

October 11, 2006

Packet Island debuted their VoIP Lifecycle Management Solution for Asterisk at INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & EXPO West 2006. For those deploying Asterisk, this seems like a nifty tool to perform performance metrics, VoIP network assesments, and ensure that the Asterisk IP-PBX is performing up to snuff.

Here's the news announced at the show...

Santa Clara, CA — Packet Island today announced that it will debut it’s VoIP Lifecycle Management Solution for Asterisk at TMC's INTERNET TELEPHONY® Conference & EXPO West 2006, October 10-13, 2006 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California (www.itexpo.com).

Packet Island’s ‘PacketSmart for Asterisk’ is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that has been designed to target the VoIP lifecycle management needs of VARs and SMBs deploying Asterisk. The solution is based on Asterisk software agents and purpose-built micro-appliances that work with the highly scalable PacketSmart SaaS platform, hosted at a Tier-1 data center. The Asterisk software agents are highly optimized applications installed on the Asterisk PBX and collect detailed quality metrics on all VoIP calls terminating at the PBX.

Posted in Asterisk, ITEXPO

Tagged: asterisk, network assessment, packet island, testing, voip : Related Tags: packet island, lifecycle management, software agents, packetsmart asterisk, internet telephony, asterisk

Can't Wait for the Wii?

October 11, 2006

If you can't wait for Nintendo's Wii, then get your preorders into GameStop or EB Games -- starting Friday, October 13.

Of course, this will be a very hot Holiday Season gift item (including self-gifting), and pre-ordering may be the best way to make sure you get your hands on one.

Check out this link for more details.

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: eb games, gamestop, nintendo, wii : Related Tags:

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Libya & the $100 Laptop

October 11, 2006

While Libya may not be the best place in the world to call home, it certainly looks a lot better to the 1.2 million children that will get $100 laptops courtesy of the Libyan government.

While we here at home are faced with many, many more expensive PC choices, the Libyan kids will join the PC-powered generation. (John Markoff's fine reporting can be read here.)

Not too take anything away from spreading wealth and accessibility to make our world a truly smaller, closer, friendlier and better place, but wouldn't it be nice if there was program like this in the U.S. where our kids could get $100 laptops, too?

How about this paragraph from the New York Times article:

It is possible ... that Libya will become the first nation in the world where all school-age children are connected to the Internet through educational computers. “The U.S. and Singapore are not even close.”

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: $100 laptop, john markoff, libya, new york times : Related Tags: place world, internet access, access internet, libya, internet, access

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Skype v2.6 released and Skype 3.0 beta coming soon

October 11, 2006

Lots of Skype news coming out of Internet Telephony Conference & Expo. First, Skype v2.6 beta was released today. It has the following new features:

- Click to call ordinary phone numbers on any website (optional install)
- Find and join Skypecasts in the Live tab.
- Share your favorite links in mood message. They’re clickable.
- Search the web with the Google Toolbar (optional install)

Looks like Skype is partnering for the two optional pieces.

Posted in ITEXPO, Skype

Tagged: itexpo, skype, skype 3.0, voip : Related Tags: optional install, third party, google toolbar, phone numbers, skype, optional

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Rich is a moblogging machine!

October 11, 2006

Rich Tehrani has become a video moblogging machine! I had a script that allowed Rich to upload text posts to the blog simply by emailing a certain email account from his Windows Mobile 5 Verizon phone. I joked with Rich about me adding video support just a couple of weeks ago when I wrote:
How much would it be worth to you for me to add video support to the email-to-blog script?

This way you can capture videos on your Verizon XV6700 mobile phone, email it and then it will publish it onto your blog.

Could be a cool feature to capture a keynote while you are up on stage, or walking the show floor and you want to INSTANTLY show how the traffic is, etc. I think I can get 3gp videos to work somewhat easily but will require some programming. Not sure if I can get Windows .avi or .wmv files to work.

Posted in ITEXPO, VoIP

Tagged: blogging, moblogging, rich tehrani, video : Related Tags: video support, couple weeks, verizon phone, moblogging machine, video blogs, video

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Running into fellow VoIP bloggers and some VoIP news

October 10, 2006

I just arrived in sunny San Diego after a very turbulent JetBlue flight from JFK airport. Although it was a bumpy ride, the 37 channels of DirecTV certainly helped pass the 5hrs and 40 minutes away. After arriving at my hotel, I learned my room wasn't ready, so decided to head on over to the convention center to check out what was happening on the first day of Internet Telephony Conference & Expo. Since I couldn't check in and change into business attire (a suit), I headed over wearing a casual short-sleeve polo shirt, jeans, and sneakers.

Posted in Asterisk, Linux, News, VoIP

Tagged: asterisk, bloggers, fonality, ip-pbx, jetblue, open source, switchvox, trixbox, voip : Related Tags: internet telephony, telephony conference, software switchvox, network support, convention center, switchvox

Mercury On-the-Go Storage

October 10, 2006

Audio, video, backup; I don't know about you, but I've got plenty of data to store and keep track of -- and keep it safe and secure at the same time.

OWC's Mercury On-The-Go bus-powered portable solutions make it safe and easy to transport large amounts of data.

Stylishly engineered in a sleek, impact-resistant acrylic enclosure, the Mercury On-The-Go incorporates shock-isolation technology for maximum protection.

(Nothing worse then backing up and then dropping the drive ...)

If that's appealing, how about this; it weighs only 11 oz. and fits in your shrit pocket. It puts the power in your pocket ...

Let's run down the key features:

Compact 3.5"(W) x 5.5"(D) x 1"(H) Intech speed tools included Cool blue activity indicator LED Super quiet operation Shock isolation system Includes carrying case Bus-pPowered or may be powered with included AC adapter

Price: Varies with capacity.

www.macsales.com

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: macsales.com, mercury on-the-go, owc, portable storage : Related Tags: shock isolation, mercury

How About a 10 Megapixel Camera, er Cell Phone

October 10, 2006

Think you've got a lot of power in your digital camera? And by power, I mean a lot of pixels -- as in megapixels.

Well, whatever you may be shooting with may be impressive, but have I got a surprise for you.

Check out this new 10 megapixel cell phone from Samsung. That's right, we're talking cell phone.

(Now, that's impressive!)

Coming to the U.S. soon?

Less than $1000?

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: cell phone, digital camera, samsung : Related Tags: phone

Google buys YouTube

October 9, 2006

Google has acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion, setting to rest all the rumors. I wonder how this will affect Google's stock considering the liability risk Google will inheirit with this acquisition of an entity that is known for ignoring copyright laws - though YouTube has been proactive at removing copyrighted material if requested by the copyright holders. (Google's stock is up 2% so far today.)

Perhaps Google is just the one to be able to solve copyright issues and work with the copyright holders. It's just as possible that Hollywood and their lawyers will see Google and their billions of capital as an irresitable temptation to sue.

According to the newswire:

When the acquisition is complete, YouTube will retain its distinct brand identity, strengthening and complementing Google’s own fast-growing video business. YouTube will continue to be based in San Bruno, CA, and all YouTube employees will remain with the company.

Posted in Google

Tagged: google, youtube : Related Tags: copyright holders, youtube continue, google, youtube, copyright, billion

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Get in Gear with iPod Pouches

October 9, 2006

WaterField Designs has come up with some winning, innovative pouches to hold your iPod -- and all the rest of your gear for that MP3 player or just plenty of your other stuff.

It's very nice that the scrambling around to find all your iPod gear is now a thing of the past.

An assortment of padded compartments keeps your iPod – no matter what size or style –and iPod accessories secure and tangle free.

(And isn't that nice ...)

Called "iPod Gear Pouches," these babies lie flat when full and can easily be stowed in a backpack, bag or briefcase. In fact, they can even be carried in your hand!

Made of ballistic nylon with soft interior lining and self-locking zippers, the two sizes let you creatively pack your gear:

Small iPod Gear Pouch: Fits all size iPods, earbuds, Firewire/USB cable and power supply or arm band. Dimensions: 7.75" x 3.25" x 1.2." Weight: 2 oz.

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio

Tagged: ipod, ipod pouch, sfbags.com, waterfield designs : Related Tags: accessories, pouches

Tower Records: Bye-Bye

October 9, 2006

Going the way of the LP record and the dodo bird, Tower Records is becoming the latest in a line of record stores that are closing down.

It used to be you'd go to a place like Tower or Strawberries or Sam Goody (or name your local record store) to check out the new music, pick up an album (later a CD) and see what the band looked like, etc., but that's all doable now on the Internet (minus the tactile sensions).

Is this progress? Or just lost youth?

Are there lessons to be learned?

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio

Tagged: record stores, sam goody, strawberries, tower records : Related Tags: tower records, tower, record

Google Blog Hacked, Who's Next?

October 8, 2006

There was a lot of buzz surrounding a Google Blog post stating that the Google's click-to-call program was being cancelled. Apparently, it isn't true, but rather an unauthorized user logged onto Google Blog and made up the post.

Here's an update from Google Blog:
A bug in Blogger enabled an unauthorized user to make a fake post on the Google Blog last night, claiming that we've discontinued our AdWords click-to-call test. The bug was fixed quickly and the post removed. As for the click-to-call test, it is progressing on schedule, and we're pleased with the results thus far.

A bug? In Google's hosted blogging website (blogger.com/blogspot.com) that is used by millions of bloggers and websites? Are you kidding me? The post doesn't detail how severe this "bug" is, so how vulnerable are the millions of other blogspot.com and blogger.com blogs hosted by Google? I'm sure the Google engineers will be up all Sunday night trying to fix this "bug".

If you are a VoIP fan as obviously I am, then we can at least we can take solace in the fact that Google Blog states "As for the click-to-call test, it is progressing on schedule, and we're pleased with the results thus far."

Posted in Google, VoIP

Tagged: blog, click to call, google, hack : Related Tags: progressing schedule, pleased results, mexuar products, google, click, mexuar

Comments

VoIP Hacks

October 7, 2006

Looking for some VoIP hacks? Wanna mask your voice to sound like Darth Vader? How bout sniff out some VoIP packets using Ethereal to figure out why that pesky jitter has been extra jittery? I'm sure you'd like to covertly record VoIP conversations, I mean c'mon, what reputable hacker doesn't?

Well, if you're looking to learn these VoIP hacks and much much more, look no further than Ted Wallingford's VoIP Hacks book, published by O'Reilly, one of the best in-depth technology publishers you will find. Go check it out.

Posted in VoIP

Tagged: hacks, o'reilly, ted wallingford, voip : Related Tags: hacks

VoIP in Second Life

October 6, 2006

On Wednesday, Vivox announced their "one million free minutes" promotion which enables the 3D virtual world "Second Life" users to speak to each other via their phones using PC VoIP to landline termination (PC-to-PSTN). Natively Second Life doesn't support PC-to-PSTN, however users have been able to use other third-party workarounds, like TeamSpeak, which I have written about previously. Vivox has an interesting concept whereby they are building "phone booths" into the Second Life virtual world that allow residents to call out to any telephones from them. They are also building microphones into the virual world that will allow users access to voice chat of up to five people at a time.

Posted in VoIP

Tagged: second life, teamspeak, vivox, voip : Related Tags: virtual world, phone booths, world allow, second, world, virtual

Comments

Top Selling Cell Phones: Updated

October 6, 2006

The ballots are in for the best selling cell phone (on a global basis), according to Krusell, the Swedish manufacturer of carrying cases for portable gadgets.

The Krusell list is based upon the number of pieces of model-specific mobile and smart phone cases that have been ordered from Krusell during September 2006.

According to the company, this list is unique due to the fact that it reflects the sales of phones on six continents and in more than 50 countries around the globe.

When you look at the rankings (after the break!) what's interesting, at least globally, is how the mobile phone market has boiled down into what we call in marketing parlance a "three-horse race."

In other words, out of all the companies that have tried their luck in this market (and many are still trying), three (and only three) companies have established themselves as the mobile phone market leaders in the eyes, ears and pocketbooks of the gadget-buying consumer audience.

(We take no demographic for granted here.)

Which three? You will find out in a moment. (Patience ...)

Now, without further ado, let's get to get to the rankings of the top 10 selling cell phones. The envelope please:

Sony Ericsson K790i/K800i Sony Ericsson K750i/D750i/W800i Nokia 6230/6230i Sony Ericsson W810i Motorola RaZr V3/ V3i /V3c Nokia N73 Nokia 5500 Sony Ericsson P990 Nokia 6280/6282 Motorola Krzr K1

Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola (looks like the combination of Sony and Ericsson from two cell phone companies into one is paying off ...)

It's also worth checking out who Amazon thinks is the most popular, best selling cell phone.

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: cell phone, ericsson, krussell, motorola, nokia, sony, sony ericsson : Related Tags: mobile phone, phone market, nokia motorola, phone, ericsson, nokia

Comments

Sonic at 15

October 6, 2006

Now we have been friends for a very long time, but can't believe Sonic the Hedgehog will be celebrating his 15th birthday next week!

Yes, that's right; the video game innovator -- still going strong, by the way -- will celebrate his birthday in style with a birthday cake at DigitalLife in New York City next week.

Actress Lacey Chabert -- the voice of Princess Elise in the Sonic the Hedgehog movie (she's been the voice of plenty of other characters, too) -- will help blow out the candles on his giant birthday cake.

For all things Sonic, click here.

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: digitallife, lacey chabert, sonic the hedgehog : Related Tags: sonic hedgehog, birthday, sonic

Mercator Capital likes TMC's ITEXPO and Internet Telephony Magazine

October 6, 2006

Rich wrote an interesting blog entry today about Mercator Capital talking about TMC's upcoming (next week) Internet Telephony Conference & Expo, as well as some major kudos for TMC's Internet Telephony Magazine. I head out to ITEXPO in just a few days and I have some good meetings lined up with several vendors in the IP communications space. I'll be sure to post here any interesting news.

In the meantime, I'm going to steal Rich's blog entry about Mercator Capital and paste it below. I don't think he'll fire me for my blatant plagiarism.

Posted in ITEXPO, VoIP

Tagged: internet telephony magazine, itexpo, mercator capital, voip : Related Tags: internet telephony, mercator capital, service provider, communications events, telephony conference, itexpo

Take the Fifth -- Beethoven's Fifth ...

October 5, 2006

Free classical music downloads of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony launch The Philadelphia Orchestra’s online music store.

(I like it!)

The Philadelphia Orchestra is the first major American orchestra to offer consumers the opportunity to download recent and archival music directly through its own website.

Also available for purchase in the store are the other Beethoven symphonies recorded under Christoph Eschenbach during the 2005-06 season, selections from the Orchestra’s highly acclaimed Centennial Collection with works conducted by the great maestros of Philadelphia – Stokowski, Ormandy, Muti and Sawallisch -– and pieces recorded during the past six years.

Initial prices range from $.99 (why is it always this price?!) for works under 10 minutes to $4.99 for a major work; in the future full concerts will be priced at $9.99. Special projects will be priced separately.

These recordings will initially be released as high-quality 256 kbps MP3s –- claimed to be a better-sounding audio format than similarly priced offerings available through the iTunes Music Store –- and in a true CD-quality format known as FLAC.

Future plans include downloads available in even higher-resolution 24-bit formats to further attract audiophiles who seek better than CD-quality audio recordings.

www.thephiladelphiaorchestra.com

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio

Tagged: audiophiles, beethoven, fifth symphony, flac, itunes, music downloads, the philadelphia orchestra : Related Tags: philadelphia orchestra, music store, orchestra, music, philadelphia, quality

Free 60 second phone calls

October 5, 2006

Remember Jahjah's free phone service offer. Well, James Bowman over at for60secs.com has started a service with a different angle.They offer free calling to US48 phone numbers (all U.S. except Hawaii and Alaska), but for60secs.com records (with consent!) the calls and publishes them on their website. James said, "We hope to pay for the phone service with the ad revenue from people listening to the calls.It's as simple as that." To use the service, you simply dial their toll-free 866-460SECS number and then enter the number you wish to dial.

He explained that they envision a few different kinds of user for the phone service, such as people who are very price-conscious or shameless self-promoters who view it like reality TV - you give up privacy in exchange for fame.

The original plan was to limit calls to 60 seconds - hence the name, but during the beta period the limit is actually 6 minutes.

Here's a quick Q&A via email I had with James:

1) How are you terminating the calls? VoIP? Regular PSTN conference bridge?

VoIP.

Posted in Asterisk, VoIP

Tagged: asterisk, gafachi, voip : Related Tags: phone service, phone calls, asterisk using, calls, phone, service

One Week (and Counting) to DigitalLife!

October 5, 2006

Yes, exactly one week from today -- almost to the minute -- DigitalLife 2006 will open to the public at the Javits Center in New York City.

If you love gadgets, this is a kid in a candy store experience that can't be beat!

We also have a way to save you the $15 you need to get in; we've made it simple to get in free (and it's legal).

Add the source code "Insider" to this page and you're home free ...

www.digitallife.com

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: digitallife : Related Tags: digitallife

Ergo Keys: Any Way You Want Them -- It's Your Keyboard!

October 4, 2006

It seems like a pretty wacky idea, but having a keyboard that you can customize (I mean really customize) can make a lot of sense.

Ergodex's DX1 Input System is the first in a new category of input device that features movable programmable keys -- and exceptional performance, especially for gamers, engineering professionals and artists (quite the grouping!).

The DX1 consists of a Pad on which you place individual Keys anywhere you want, and then you tell the computer what you want the Keys to do.

The DX1 Keys are assigned to match a single keyboard key, such as the letter "a" or to perform a more complex macro containing a series of keystrokes. Keys are also "application" aware, so as the user changes from, say, email to Photoshop, Keys automatically change to the macros for Photoshop.

Even though Keys contain advanced electronics, they have no batteries and no wires; they communicate wirelessly with the DX1 pad.

Ergodex’s "Molecular Velcro," an "inexhaustible adhesive", allows Keys to adhere tightly on the Pad, and a slight twist loosens a Key so it can be moved or micro-positioned for optimal placement.

MSRP: $149.95

www.ergodex.com or www.dell.com.

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: computer keyboard, dell, ergodex, photoshop : Related Tags: ergodex, keyboard

TuneFlow: Your Choice

October 4, 2006

Sites were you can download music for free is far from a new idea, but at least TuneFlow is taking a novel approach with its support of indie music.

TuneFlow's "Music to the Ears: Tune Tournament" lets us (we the people) decide the best new songs on its web site.

Better yet (mostly), all tournament songs are available for free downloading. The songs are already in iPod-ready MP3 format, and there's no DRM.

The TuneFlow tournament challenges artists to create and record new songs based on four titles chosen by TuneFlow. After the titles are announced, artists have just one month to write, record and submit their entries.

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio

Tagged: music downloads, tuneflow : Related Tags: tuneflow, songs, artists, music, tournament

Fonality acquires trixbox

October 3, 2006

Fonality will announce tomorrow that they have acquired trixbox, formerly known as Asterisk@Home, and the the world's largest Asterisk-based community. Trixbox is a turn-key, bootable .iso CD image that can turn a PC with no OS into an Asterisk server with a variety of open source tools in just a few minutes. The trixbox application lets someone download a bootable .iso image that then automatically installs Linux, Asterisk, SugarCRM, MySQL, FreePBX, and a whole variety of other applications. Trixbox fully supports the Linux yum command and RPM ecosystem for performing updates and bug fixes.

Essentially, trixbox uses the latest and greatest version of Asterisk.

Posted in Asterisk, Linux

Tagged: asterisk, fonality, freepbx, linux, mysql, sugarcrm, trixbox, voip : Related Tags: version asterisk, latest greatest, trixbox community, fonality chris, fonality pbxtra, trixbox

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Answer to Quickie Quiz: More TVs or People

October 3, 2006

Drum roll and the envelope please!

According to ratings guru, Nielsen, TV sets now outnumber people in the average American home, with 2.73 sets compared to 2.55 residents.

Statistics also show that half of American homes now have three or more sets, and 19% have just one. In 1975, 57% of homes had a single TV and 11% had three or more.

(My how times have changed ...)

Can you believe it!

Thanks to USA TODAY/Associated Press for this interesting fact!

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

Tagged: associated press, average american home, nielsen, tv sets, usa today : Related Tags:

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Nokia's Been Busy in the Lab

October 3, 2006

A Bluetooth killer or an enhancer? Seems Nokia's announcement today about its Wibree technology may be either one.

A unique radio technology extending local connectivity to small devices, Wibree is an open industry initiative developed by Nokia Research Center.

It complements other local connectivity technologies, consuming only a fraction of the power compared to other radio technologies, therfore enabling smaller and less costly solutions.

Wibree is the first open technology offering connectivity between mobile devices or Personal Computers and small, button cell battery power devices, such as watches, wireless keyboards, toys and sports sensors.

With a goal of having the new technology available as soon as possible, Nokia is defining the Wibree interoperability specification together with a group of companies representing semiconductor manufacturers, device vendors and qualification service providers. These include Broadcom Corporation, CSR, Epson and Nordic Semiconductor as well as Suunto and Taiyo Yuden.

Sounds pretty cool ...

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: bluetooth, broadcom, csr, epson, nokia, nordic semiconductor, suunto, taiyo yuden, wibree : Related Tags: local connectivity, nokia, bluetooth, wibree, technology, power

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Internet Telephony Magazine Celebrates 100th issue

October 3, 2006

Internet Telephony Magazine 100th issue
(the phones are the RTX LAN DUALphone if curious)

I just got my copy of the October issue of Internet Telephony Magazine which celebrates the 100th issue and 9th birthday of the foremost IP communications magazine. (the 100th issue is a whopping 172 pages!) In 1996, within CTI Magazine, the precuror to Internet Telephony Magazine, I wrote the first product review of one of the true pioneers of VoIP - Vocaltec - who invented the 1st VoIP softphone. Soon after, in 1997 Internet Telephony was launched and we were told by experts in telecom that we were crazy to launch a magazine focused on voice over IP. It's amazing to see how far VoIP and other types of IP communications has come in just 9 years.

I would be remiss if I didn't quote Rich Tehrani's Publisher's Outlook in this 100th issue where he talks about the 9 year ride.

Posted in VoIP

Tagged: internet telephony magazine, voip : Related Tags: internet telephony, telephony magazine, magazine celebrates, magazine, issue, internet

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Skype combo devices - what's the point?

October 3, 2006

Seems like every day there's some newfandangled Skype device that combines Skype along with some combination of a speakerphone, a mouse, a keypad, an LCD, a toaster, a blender, etc. etc.

Remember the Sony Skype device I wrote about? Let me refresh your memory with 2 pictures...

Sony VAIO VNCX1-B Mouse

Now word comes about a new combo Skype device called the Skype USB Phone ASG-142 SkyGenie MouseFone.

It features an 800 DPI optical sensor, Skype speakerphone, an a 1.3-inch LCD for caller ID display. Although it is USB, it only works on Windows. Unlike the Sony VAIO Skype mouse combo gadget, the MouseFone does have a number keypad and a funky glowing green scroll wheel.

Posted in Skype

Tagged: asg-142, mousefone, skype, sony, voip : Related Tags: skype device, skype mouse, combo devices, skype, combo, speakerphone

VoIP leads to electric bill scare tactics

October 2, 2006

I was listening to Curtis and Kuby on WABC 770 this morning and they stated that an electric company was sending out bogus $500 or even $5,000 electric bills to customers in order to force their customers to call their billing department. The reason? With many homes no longer having a phone landline, due to VoIP, wireless phones, etc., the electric meters can no longer automatically dial in the electricity usage.

After the customer does call in to complain, the billing department then tells the customer the true charges. I just hope an 80 year old grandma doesn't open her electric bill to see a $5,000 charge and have a heart attack. Anyone smell a potential lawsuit here?

Here's a novel idea for the electric company - send a meter man to take the reading.

Posted in VoIP

Tagged: electricity, voip : Related Tags: electric company, electric bills, billing department, electric, customers, wireless

Dell Does Recycling Right! F-R-E-E

October 2, 2006

Now we really have something good here with Dell’s announcement of its no-charge recycling program for U.S. customers. Let's just call it was it is -- free! The magic URL is www.dell4me.com/recycling.

(About time this got here -- Dell has offered a no-charge recycling program for Dell-branded products in Europe since November 2003 and currently offers no-charge consumer recycling in Canada.)

This recycling offer is designed for consumers and includes free pick-up of used Dell-branded computers and peripheral equipment.

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: dell, recycling : Related Tags: recycling program, charge recycling, recycling, charge

VoIP & Gadgets Blog

October 2006