November 2006

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Electrilite Emergency gadgety flashlight

November 30, 2006

The Electrilite Emergency flashlight is a gadget lovers dream! It's a flashlight with bulbs that never need replacing, it's a radio, it's an alarm, and it never needs batteries. This product recharges itself or even your cell phone by using a handcrank.

This new product follows up on Electrilite's nifty flashlight launched last when they introduced their Electrilite Flashlight, which also never needs batteries or bulbs, and it charges cell phones. This year, their newest model, The Electrilite Emergency, has all the features of the Original but it adds a built in FM radio and alarm

Perfect for emergency situations, it has the ability to create and store energy and 3 Mega Bright LEDs provide over 100,000 hours of light. They have also included cell phone adapters to charge your cell phone when your battery dies.

The Electrilite Emergency allows you to turn on 1 LED or all 3 LEDs for extra brightness by adjusting the light position button.

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: batteries, christmas, electrilite emergency, electrilite.com, radio : Related Tags: electrilite emergency, needs batteries, cranking provide, electrilite, phone, emergency

$100 Laptop: Extinct Before It Arrives?

November 30, 2006

I only blogged about the $100 laptop at month ago ("Libya & the $100 Laptop"), but now it already looks like that "save the underdeveloped world" computer has been hit the a 50% price increase -- see "For $150, Third-World Laptop Stirs Big Debate."

Seems to me that this isn't fair -- isn't it better to under promise and over deliver? (And not the other way around.)

And maybe those folks who would benefit from a gadget like this might benefit even more from serving their real hierarachy of needs first -- like food, clothing, shelter? Oh, and how about health care?

The phone lines are open ...

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: $100 laptop, $150 laptop : Related Tags: price increase, laptop, price, increase

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3J Communications' 3J-W1D Skype phone

November 30, 2006

3J Communications announced the availability of its new 3J-W1D Skype phone to the US market. The new 3J-W1D is a remote wireless Skype phone with a blue backlighted LCD display and features built-in echo and noise cancellation as well as a nifty speakerphone on its base.

Supporting both Windows and Mac OS platforms, the new 3J-W1D (who came up with that non-descript name anyway?) is actually compatible with Skype, MSN and Yahoo! Messenger, as well as with VoIP Buster. In addition, 3J-W1D works with SJphone, X-Lite and Eyebeam, other VoIP softphone applications.

For Skype, the user can view their Skype contact’s status and profile, and can add or search their Skype friends on the unit’s bright 1.5” color handset screen. There are call lists for Skype Calls.

The 3J-W1D features:
   · USB Wireless Phone for Skype
   · 2.4GHz ISM Band, suit for Europe, USA, Japan etc
   · Handfree with digital echo cancellation
   · Large graphic LCD with blue backlight
   · Skype contacts review and call list on handset LCD
   · Both base and handset ring for all incoming calls
   · Multi-language caller ID display feature
   · Auto-select RF channel to improve the quality of voice
   · Standby time: More than 100 hours
   · Talk time: more than 10 hours
   · Radio range: 50 ft
   · Battery: 250mAh (Li-battery)

The 3J-W1D has a very low MSRP of $79.95 when compared to other Skype phones and is currently distributed through DataVision in New York.

Posted in Microsoft, Reviews, Skype

Tagged: 3j-w1d, cordless, eyebeam, microsoft, phone, skype, wireless, yahoo : Related Tags: skype phone, skype, phone, handset

I Can See Clearly Now: Windows Vista Due Tomorrow

November 29, 2006

It's hard to get too excited about the official launch of Windows Vista tomorrow after spending all of that energy for the launch of PS3 (and to a lesser extent, Wii).

But still, Microsoft's launch of a new operating sytem is a big deal -- and we've been waiting five years (two years longer than we thought we'd have to wait).

For a good read on what all of the fuss is about, click here.

And if you're in the market for a new PC this holiday season (and that would be prior to the general availability of Windows Vista -- on January 30, 2007), Microsoft itself has some tips on how to make sure you will be "Windows Vista Capable."

Posted in Computer Software

Tagged: microsoft, ps3, wii, windows vista : Related Tags: windows vista, vista, windows, launch

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Now It's Time Warner's Time

November 29, 2006

Not to be too outdone by yesterday's news about the planned Wal-Mart digital movie download service, Time Warner is now planning to launch its own direct-to-DVD movie download service.

According to reports, this is in the "wait until next year" time frame. TW also said it's pondering movie kiosks at Wal-Mart.

Seems to be it's about time the major motion picture studios woke up and smelled the coffee over the potential profits of direct-to-consumer downloads. And why oh why? does it always seem to take four months between theatrical release and DVD availability (and VHS I guess, still, too)?

Might be a good idea to give that timeframe some more thought -- bet there are plenty of consultants for hire (or hired already) that are trying to figure that out for the big boys ...

Posted in Home Entertainment

Tagged: movie downloads, time warner, wal-mart : Related Tags: movie download, download service, movie

Wal-Mart Goes to the Movies (Back to the Future?)

November 28, 2006

Well, movie rentals didn't work out too good for them, but now Wal-Mart keeps forging ahead by joining the ranks of digital movie download retailers.

According to a published report, the biggest of the big box retailers is launching the new download service with an exclusive Superman Returns DVD bundle that will contain a video download option with the purchase of the actual DVD.

If that doesn't make sense to you (buy the DVD, then buy the download?), then you may not be the only one scratching your head.

But NetFlix is sure to be happily waiting in the wings if this idea doesn't fly -- they benefited quite nicely when Wal-Mart jettisoned the movie rental idea not all that long ago ...

Posted in Home Entertainment

Tagged: movie downloads, netflix, superman returns, wal-mart : Related Tags: download, movie

Bond Goes Sony at the Casino Royale

November 28, 2006

Even though I read the reviews, was surprised to see so few gadgets in the latest James Bond opus Casino Royale.

Guess I've gotten spoiled by all of the crazy gadgets that Q dreamed up over the years -- who can forget that Aston Martin in Goldfinger?

Anyway, not too surprised to see Sony Ericsson mobile phones play such a big roll in the movie -- the film is from Columbia Pictures (the same as Sony Pictures).

Come to think of it, wasn't that Sony's Vaio notebook computer in a couple of scenes, too?

Now do you see how the pieces of the puzzle fit together?

Elementary, by dear Watson ...

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: casino royale, columbia pictures, james bond, sony, sony ericsson, sony pictures, vaio : Related Tags: aston martin, ericsson mobile, casino royale, martin, aston

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Vernbatim U3 Store 'n' Go

November 27, 2006

It may seem like a while ago that I blogged about the groovy new U3 technology -- the evolution of the USB drive -- but it was only last week!

This time, let's taka a look at an actual product -- Verbatim's 1GB Store ‘n’ Go U3 Smart Drive, the newest member of its award-winning family of Store ‘n’ Go USB drives.

Just the size of a pack of gum, the U3 smart drive offers a new mobile computing platform that allows you to carry smart software applications, PC settings, files and personal preferences wherever you go and to access them on any Windows XP or 2000 PC via any open USB port.

Verbatim’s Smart Drive adds a nice personal twist by including an app called U3 Launchpad, an intuitive interface that makes accessing U3 smart software and device features fast and easy. An extensive library of U3 smart applications ranging from backup, email and photo organizers to music players and graphics applications can be downloaded from www.u3.com as well as directly from the Store ‘n’ Go U3 Launchpad.

Verbatim also includes McAfee antivirus protection.

Street Price: $99.00

www.verbatim.com/u3

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: mcafee, smart drive, u3, usb drive, verbatim : Related Tags: smart drive, smart software, smart, verbatim, drive, store

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Would a Cell Phone by Any Other Name Smell as Sweet?

November 27, 2006

Shakespearen apologies aside, what if the cell phone was called something else besides a cell phone?

(We call our category here "Mobile Phones," for instance -- as I am sure all of you are well aware.)

Well, that's the $1 million question that an article in BusinessWeek raises.

And if the ubiquitous gadget did have the oppotunity to dial-in another name, what do you think it would be?

Now that's where the fun starts ...

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: businessweek, cell phone, mobile phone : Related Tags: phone

VoIP Gateway clones an iPod

November 27, 2006

The iPod is one of the most recognizable products due to it's smooth exterior, elegant shape, and stylish form-factor. So what you do get when you cross an Apple iPod with a VoIP gateway? Why the Polypower VRM0-Sxx series of course!

This VoIP gateway clones the iPod's small size, measuring just 100x80x28mm and clones the iPod's original white/ivory color. It includes 1 WAN + 1 LAN + 1/2 FXS + 1 FXO (option). You can use this product with a SIP-based termination service provider along with your favorite analog/cordless/DECT phone. The VRM0-Sxx features built-in QoS, T.38, auto-provisioning, and many other common features.

Posted in Gadgets, PDAs & Handhelds, Skype, VoIP

Tagged: apple, gateway, ipod, polypower, sip, skype, voip : Related Tags: gateway clones, gateway, features, clones

When Black Friday Comes ...

November 24, 2006

Apologies to Steely Dan, but "Black Friday" is here!

By the time many of you see this, you will be have spent the early hours of the day on some awful line in order to be a great deal on a gadget of your choice.

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow ... Now that's what I'm talking about!

(Guaranteed 10 per store. One item per person. Limited to store stock. Do those words sound familiar?)

Is this a great country or what? Oh and if you're looking for some Black Friday deals on Amazon, check this out: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Friday-After-Thanksgiving-Sale/

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: black friday, steely dan : Related Tags: black friday, friday, black

A Day To Be Thankful

November 23, 2006

Not just for all of our gadgets -- be they many and multiply! -- but for all of the many things that make our lives special and complete -- I'll leave the Thanksgiving list up to you.

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: thanksgiving : Related Tags:

Moto Goes Soy for Cell?

November 22, 2006

Soybean mobile phones are on the horizon!

Yes, you have read correctly!

Motorola recently showcased some new technology, which included a robotic tech support assistant, packaging that will light up when consumers stroll by and phones made from soybeans.

You will never look at a soybean the same way again ... will you?

Check out PC Magazine for the details.

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: mobile phones, motorola, pc magazine, soybeans : Related Tags: soybean

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Megapixels Don't Matter

November 22, 2006

Always good to read what David Pogue of the New York Times has to say about technology, gadgets and the folks that inhabit our wonderful worlds.

So not surprising then to read his digital camera ditty today about whether megapixels really matter.

(An endless debate that harkens back to the very dawn of the digital camera age.)

They do, don't they?

Well, to steal one of his lines, not to give away the punchline, click here.

Posted in Digital Cameras

Tagged: david pogue, digital cameras, megapixels, new york times : Related Tags: digital camera

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GPS for truckers

November 22, 2006

I've received multiple requests from my loyal blog readers for help in finding a GPS solution that works well for truckers. The problem with standard GPS solutions is that they were designed with regular vehicles in mind and not 18-wheelers or other large vehicles, including my beloved Garmin StreetPilot 2720. 18-wheelers often cannot go down certain roads or on certain highways due to restrictions, such as low underpasses. Using a standard GPS solution the mapping software typically doesn't allow you specify that you are driving a large truck.

Posted in GPS, Gadgets

Tagged: garmin, gps, navigation, route planner, tomtom, toursolver, truckers : Related Tags: navigation system, streets trips, direct driver, truck drivers, microsoft streets, truck

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PS3 Shortage Even Shorter

November 21, 2006

No wonder people were going crazy to get their PS3!

(Or someone else's for that matter.)

According to reports, Sony may not have hit its reduced target for the number of machines available at launch.

Now 400K units may seem like a lot, but just ask Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft how many of those big bad boy gaming units they can sell when they're hot!

Can't imagine there are too many PS3's left out there to purchase ...

Reminds me of Beanie Babies ...

... Cabbage Patch Kids ...

... Talking Elmo ...

... and all of those other holiday toy shortages.

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: beanie babies, cabbage patch kids, microsoft, nintendo, ps3, sony, talking elmo : Related Tags:

What's 1 Better Than U2: Why U3, Of Course!

November 21, 2006

Remember when computers had floppy drives?

Well, yes, some still do, but the generation of CDs and then USB storage devices has made them largely obsolete.

Now, the ubiquitous USB flash drive has undergone the latest step in its evolution -- transforming into the U3 smart drive. It doesn't look any different than what we've come to expect from this tiny little wonder, but it's what's inside that makes them smart:

Carry and access your files easily (OK, that's not new) Keep your data safe and secure (Yes, but how so?) Comes with pre-loaded software (Now, that's interesting) Hundreds of software titles available (What?)

Backed by flash drive manufacturers SanDisk and msystems (and now supported by many other companies), U3 is an innovative “smart” drive platform that transforms the traditional, data-storing USB flash drives into tiny, little personal computers. (How so?)

Now, with U3, users have the ability to load their U3 smart drives with popular Windows applications, personal preferences, computer settings and files. U3 smart drives provide businesses and consumers alike with a convenient, portable, personalized computing solution.

Now, how about this? U3 has OpenOffice and ThinkFree Office presentation programs, which are compatible with PowerPoint so I can save a PowerPoint file on a U3 smart drive, open and edit it using the ThinkFree Office presentation program and then reopen it in PowerPoint once it's back on a computer with Microsoft Office.

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: flash drive, msystems, sandisk, smart drive, u3, usb storage : Related Tags: smart drive, office presentation, smart drives, flash drive, thinkfree office, smart

Playing Favorites: Wii vs. PS3 vs. Xbox 360

November 21, 2006

Hey, hey, hey as Fat Albert used to say, we've now got all three new gaming systems out on the market -- granted, they all had their own unique paths to get there!

So what do you think? What's your thoughts on the Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Which one will be the winner in the marketplace?

What's the best feature of each? What's the worst?

The phone lines (I mean the blog lines) are open -- let's hear what you've got to say.

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: ps3, wii, xbox 360 : Related Tags: better graphics, instead extra, soooomuch better, extra money, people saying, games

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OPPO Digital LT2007 20-inch LCD-TV DVD Combo Player Review

November 21, 2006

The OPPO Digital LT2007 20-inch LCD-TV DVD Combo Player is an interesting "combination" device, combining a 181-channel TV tuner, VGA input for PC/laptop video support, built-in DVD player, 5-in-1 USB Memory Card reader, component ports, built-in speakers, and a remote control -- all in a small, elegant, and stylish design that is perfectly suited for kitchens, dorms, dens, or other rooms with limited space. Oppo sent me a review unit to check out and put through the paces.

For my first test I inserted the DVD movie Cellular into the front-loading DVD slot. Similar to cars' in-dash DVD/CD players, the DVD player automatically "catches" the DVD disc as you insert it. Using the ultra-thin remote control, which actually uses a thin watch battery, I was able to easily navigate the DVD menus and start the movie.

Posted in Digital Cameras, Gadgets, Home Entertainment, MP3 Players & Digital Audio, Reviews, Technology and Science, Video Hardware & Software

Tagged: divx, dvd combo player, lcd, lt2007, oppo digital, tv, usb : Related Tags: remote control, component video, aspect ratio, stereo audio, video inputs, video

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Another Sony Black-Eye: Boston

November 20, 2006

When Sony bought CBS way back when, they also bought the famous CBS "Eye," which sought of looked like a black eye.

I bet they didn't think they'd be using that symbol outside of the music or television business, but this year has been one big black eye for Sony -- notebook battery problems, PS3 production problems and now violence and mayhem over the PS3 launch.

Looks like the good folks of Boston aren't taking Sony's launch problems as a "normal course of doing business." Instead, the city plans to bill Sony for the police needed to quell a ruckus at the Sony Style store in Beantown.

Maybe Sony could have "gifted" every mayor of every major U.S. city to get on their good side?

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: cbs, cbs eye, ps3, sony, sony style : Related Tags: problems, black

Windows Is a Big Boy Now!

November 20, 2006

Hard to believe it's been 21 years since Microsoft launched Windows in 1985!

Lots of blogging on this one today.

It was a big deal back in 1985 with a big launch. I do think they did expect it to turn into a software franchise, don't you?

BTW, did any of you sleep outside to be the first to get your copy of Windows?

(See, this zaniness is not limited to the launch of new video gaming systems (see Xbox 350, PS3 and Wii ...)

Posted in Computer Software

Tagged: microsoft, ps3, wii, windows, xbox 360 : Related Tags: windows

PS3 Making People Crazy: Part II

November 17, 2006

Now we have former Senator John Edwards (no, not the "otherworldly" guy we see on TV) reportedly asking one of his staff members to see if he could get a hot, new PS3 from Wal-mart for his family.

Sound bad?

How about making it even worse that Edwards was criticizing the big W for unfairly treating its employees at the same time?

Seems to me that Sony could have handed out PS3s to every member of Congress (that's 500 or so) and theoretically reduced its lobby/legal presence in DC to $0 for at least a couple of months.

Add a couple more directed to key "influentials" (say state governors) and then those bills might have been reduced even further.

Meanwhile, I wonder what the Republicans have been doing ...

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

Tagged: john edwards, ps3, sony, wal-mart : Related Tags:

PS3 Making People Crazy

November 17, 2006

As if standing/sleeping on lines waiting to shell out big bucks to be the first on your block to own the brand spanking new Sony PS3 today wasn't enough, according to published reports, people are getting robbed and shot!

(And I'm talking about in wild and wooly Connecticut! Tough place ...)

Now we all love our gadgets, but come on now ...

What did James Brown say about "Living in America" ...?

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

Tagged: james brown, ps3, sony : Related Tags:

I surrender my email address to spammers

November 17, 2006

I surrender! I surrender! Just as Captain Kirk begrudgingly surrendered the Enterprise, as of today I have surrendered my corporate email account to the spammers. Spammers can have my email address, which has become completely overwhelmed with spam. As of today it will bounce back as 'System Undeliverable' and I have chosen a new tmcnet.com email address. Sure my friends, contacts, and all my Web signups will be caught up in what some may deem a draconian tactic, until they find my new email, but that's it - I’ve had it! Enough of the spam!

I have had the same corporate email account since the Internet started to take off in 1994.

Posted in Personal and Humor

Tagged: antispam, blacklist, email, microsoft, outlook, spam : Related Tags: email address, email account, corporate email, exchange server, challenge response, email

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Google click-to-call launches

November 17, 2006

Google finally launched their click-to-call feature, which is available from Google Maps. Rich has the scoop and he gave me the head's up on the news and he has a detailed write-up, including who is powering the termination - namely VoIP, Inc. Nice scoop, Rich!

The above screenshot is a test call I made called the famous Pepe's Pizza in New Haven. Best of all, the call is FREE!

The official Google Blog has more.

Update:
Techcrunch also talks about this news.

Posted in Google, VoIP

Tagged: click-to-call, google, voip : Related Tags: service providers, termination service, google, skype, termination, click

Mossberg Makes It Easy

November 16, 2006

Confused by gadget babble?

(As from the Tower of Babel.)

Don't worry, be happy.

In today's Wall Street Journal, Walt Mossberg offers a lesson in decoding the tech language for gadget shoppers.

(Language should not be a barrier.)

(Just what we need as "the holiday shopping season" looms up ever larger ahead.)

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: tower of babel, wall street journal, walt mossberg : Related Tags:

Boo Best Buy

November 16, 2006

Now we have news that Best Buy is reportedly forcing web sites that list their "Black Friday" sales to take down that information.

Remember that "Black Friday" is the big day-after-Thanksgiving- sale-day for all things gadgets -- actually all things period.

(I feel that Crazy Eddie urge coming on again. You know, the "insane prices" thing.)

Makes me want to burn my "Reward Zone" card ...

Oh and if you're looking for some Black Friday deals on Amazon, check this out!

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Friday-After-Thanksgiving-Sale/

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: best buy.black friday, crazy eddie, reward zone : Related Tags: black friday, friday, black

Hotmail Outage

November 16, 2006

Hotmail apparently is experiencing a major outage. The message I got at 9:44am ET was:
Server too busy.
We are experiencing higher than normal volume and are therefore unable to service your request at this time. Try one of the following:

In your browser, click Refresh
In your browser, click Back, and try again
Wait a few minutes and try again
We apologize for this inconvenience.
This is the first Microsoft Hotmail outage that I have seen in quite some time.

Posted in Microsoft

Tagged: hotmail, microsoft, outage, www.live.com, www.msn.com : Related Tags: browser click, higher normal, therefore unable, service request, unable service, hotmail

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Cell Phones Killed the Video Star

November 16, 2006

Got a cell phone, become a video star -- why not?

Musician Rob Dickinson’s new video, “Oceans,” is the first music video created solely on a Nokia Nseries multimedia computer, the N93. (You can call it a cell phone, too.)

Directed by Mike Hodgkinson, “Oceans” is the second single off Dickinson’s debut solo album, entitled Fresh Wine for the Horses. (Bad title.)

The “Oceans” music video was shot by Hodgkinson on the Nokia N93, a 3.2 megapixel cameraphone with DVD quality video and Carl Zeiss optics.

Why not indeed?

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: carl zeiss, n93, nokia, rob dickinson : Related Tags: oceans music, phone become, killed video, phones killed, music video, video

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Discount on Internet Telephony Conference & Expo

November 15, 2006

As a reward to my loyal blog readers, I was able to request and get a 20% discount on any Internet Telephony Conference & Expo registration plan for readers on my blog. Don't say I don't ever do nuttin' for ya. Rich may also offer the same thing on his blog, but you read it here first.

Simply visit this special promo link and you will automatically receive a 20% discount on any of TMC's ITEXPO conference plans.

I can't believe ITEXPO East 2007 is just 10 weeks away, and with the holidays those 10 weeks will go by a lot faster than usual.

Posted in ITEXPO, VoIP

Tagged: conference, expo, internet telephony, rich tehrani, tradeshow, voip : Related Tags: telephony conference, internet telephony, discount, itexpo, conference

VONaLink softphone uses SIP to capture CallerID

November 15, 2006

I just wrote about Arcosoft's VoIP call recording software this week and now just a few days later they launched another interesting product called VONaLink ScreenPop. ScreenPop works with any VoIP phone system based on the SIP standard, such as Vonage or Asterisk, to provide screen pops and even the ability to reject calls. Buh-bye telemarketers!

Typically Caller ID is read by a computer using an analog modem or a proprietary CallerID box. VONaLink uses open standards in the VoIP world to simply extract CallerID info by monitoring the network packets.

More important than the 'techno-speak' on how it works, using the Caller ID of the incoming call, ScreenPop searches for the caller in Microsoft Outlook contacts, or launches custom applications to search the web or company database.

Posted in Asterisk, VoIP, Vonage

Tagged: asterisk, caller id, sip, voip, vonage : Related Tags: vonalink screenpop, screenpop, vonalink, caller, callerid, vonage

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speaQ SIP softphone for Mobile Phones

November 15, 2006

speaQ is a new softphone application designed to make VoIP calls using WiFi or EVDO on mobile devices. Created by QTech, Inc., they claim it was designed from the start for smartphones and PDAs, which have limited processing power. It currently runs on Windows Mobile 5.0 Devices and under Linux on the Sharp Zaurus.

If you have a SIP-based Broadvoice or other SIP-based VoIP phone service account, Alpha Trial speaQ provides a simple phone interface with full call logging, contact integration, and DTMF (touch tones), on any 300Mhz+ Windows Mobile devices, such as the Palm Treo 700w, HP Ipaq 2495, etc. or under Linux on the Sharp Zaurus 5600.

Posted in Linux, Microsoft, Mobile Phones, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: linux, mobile phone, sharp zaurus, sip, smartphone, speaq, voip, windows mobile : Related Tags: session initiated, telephone client, standard telephone, initiated protocol, mobile devices, protocol

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PS3: Are You On Line Yet?

November 15, 2006

Friday is the day that Sony's much, much, mucho anticipated PlayStation 3 hits retailers' shelves.

(How many more hours is that? Is there a PS3 "countdown to launch" clock anywhere? Tokyo perhaps?)

But with all of the production problems (reported for months just about everywhere), you'd better be on line.

(And by this I mean physically outside the store waiting if you want the chance to plunk down plenty of C notes for this baby.

Especially after some pre-orders have been rescinded (as in "we really didn't mean for you to place an early order and think you'd get the product").

Good luck!

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

Skype 2.5 Beta for Mac

November 15, 2006

Today, Skype has released a new version of Skype for the Mac - Skype 2.5 Beta for Mac. The previous Mac release was October 23, 2006 which was version 2.0.0.6., so this is a 0.5 (half point) release upgrade. This catches up to the currently released Skype 2.5 for Windows, but is still a 1/2 point release behind Skype 3.0 beta for Windows. Why does Windows get all the fun?

The new Skype 2.5 beta version offers outbound SMS text messages and 10-way conference calling.

Posted in Skype, VoIP

Tagged: mac, skype 2.5, voip, windows : Related Tags: version skype, audio device, point release, windows version, skype, version

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's an iPod!

November 14, 2006

Not to be outdone by all of the Zune noise we've been hearing on the ground today, Apple is taking to the air!

Apple has announced that it's teaming up with some major airlines -- Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United -- to deliver the first seamless integration between the iPod and in-flight entertainment systems!

(Now if I can just get that iPod past security ...)

These six airlines will offerr passengers "iPod seat connections" that power and charge iPods during flight and allow the video content on their iPods to be viewed on the their seat back displays.

All of this is free, and it's scheduled to launch next year.

Apple is reportedly working with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to bring even more in-flight iPod connectivity in the future.

All this harkens me back to the day when we all got excited about a new airline -- Jet Blue -- thatt offered low fares and personal TVs (seatback displays) for every passenger. Now it seems it's just the personal TVs that's left ...

Will be interesting to see how we exercise this option on online travel searches ...

Posted in PDAs & Handhelds

Tagged: air france, apple, continental, ipod, jet blue, zune : Related Tags: flight, apple

Did You Pick Up Your Zune Today?

November 14, 2006

A while back I blogged about the i,mpending arrival of Microsoft's Zune (remember 11/14 @ $249?).

Well that day has arrived and the new MP3 player is in the stores.

And now we hear news about upcoming Zune models that will combine the MP3 player with a phone. (Gee, is that an original idea or did they take that from Apple, too?)

How many of you picked up your Zune today?

Posted in PDAs & Handhelds

Russell Shaw's new TMC blog launches

November 14, 2006

Russell Shaw today launched his new TMC blog entitled RSS: Regulations, Statutes and Standards, joining the family of TMC bloggers that cover VoIP, telecom, call center/CRM, and other communications technologies. RSS, a play off of the popular Really Simple Syndication (RSS) acronym will focus on regulations and happenings in government that affect the telecom & VoIP sectors. The URL for the website is http://blog.tmcnet.com/regulations/.

Russell is a prolific writer for several blogs and he recently joined Om Malik's blogging network just a little over a week ago to write for IPNetworked. We're happy to have him aboard the TMC family, now go check out his new digs.

Posted in News

Tagged: om malik, rss, russell shaw, telecom, voip : Related Tags: regulations, russell

Talkplus Skype demo

November 14, 2006

If you recall, I interviewed Jeff Black at ITEXPO back in October and discovered that Talkplus had reverse engineered Skype and built their own Skype gateway so you can dial Skype usernames. Specifically, I wrote:

One final interesting thing we talked about at ITEXPO is that TalkPlus has built their own Skype gateway. In fact, when pressed further, Jeff mentioned they actually reverse engineered Skype's protocol. Although the Skype gateway isn't part of TalkPlus's launch today, Jeff explained that they have tested it in their labs and it's working very well.

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

Tagged: skype, skype journal, talkplus, voip : Related Tags: skype gateway, reverse engineered, engineered skype, skype, talkplus, mobile

Catch a Wave, the Z-Wave

November 13, 2006

The dream of home automation has been around for a long time -- push button (er, make that "wireless" today) simplicity to take care of your every whim at home.

And it's a dream that's still slowly evolving toward a bright future, as the Z-Wave Alliance made its way to the recent DigitalLife show in New York to show us how much closer we're getting.

The "host" company at DigitalLife, Zensys, is the developer of Z-Wave, an interoperable wireless mesh networking technology that is trying to become the de facto standard in wireless home control.

Z-Wave brings many benefits to everyday life, including real-time home monitoring and energy conservation by controlling a wide array of home devices such as lighting, appliances, HVAC, entertainment, healthcare, access and security systems.

(It's not quite up to the complete DYI model, and you can take one step at a time.)

Demonstrating a true alliance, Z-Wave was joined by ControlThink, Crayon Interface, iControl Networks, Intermatic, Lagotek, Wayne-Dalton and Xanboo.

www.zwavealliance.org

Posted in Wireless

Tagged: digitallife, home automation, icontrol networks, intermatic, z-wave, z-wave alliance, zensys : Related Tags: wireless

Mobile Phones Were Meant To Be Free

November 13, 2006

At least that's what Google thinks, according to published reports.

And why not, with the old ad-supported business model pointing the way?

Of course, this means all kinds of other stuff on your phone that you have to deal with (or avoid).

On the other hand, Google could buy a wireless service provider -- or two -- and go into business for itself.

But which one to buy?

So much cash, so little time ...

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: google, mobile phones : Related Tags: mobile phones

Comments

VoIP Call Recording using Port Mirroring

November 13, 2006

Remember my VoIP call recording round-up of various VoIP call recording solutions? Well, it's time to update that post with a new solution I found from Arcosoft Inc. Arcosoft today announced the release of VONaLink TeamRecord, which works with any VoIP phone system based on the open SIP standard, such as Asterisk or Vonage, to centrally record all phone calls. What is interesting about this solution is that it unobtrusively "sniffs" for voice packets on your data network by leveraging the port mirroring capability of a network switch. By implementing port mirroring, TeamRecord can see all of your network traffic, and then using intelligence packet capturing technology it can find the RTP (audio) stream without the need for any recording software at each workstation.

Posted in Asterisk, VoIP, Vonage

Tagged: arcosoft, asterisk, call recording, port mirroring, voip, vonage, vonalink : Related Tags: built recording, phone system, centrally record, passive packet, tried asterisk, recording

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Digital Cameras To Make You Slimmer

November 10, 2006

From the "Now, I've heard everything" pile, we have a report that HP (aka Hewlett-Packard) and Pentax are planning to release digital cameras with "slimming" feature that will make objects (guess what?) slimmer.

Yes, you have heard correctly.

Due to the miracle of editing capabilities, subjects will now appear slimmer -- so instead of dieting or other ways to keep food out of your mouth as well as increasing your aerobic output to "slim down," we can now just push a button, do a quick edit and look slimmer.

(But will we feel slimmer?)

And can you imagine the comments: "Can you please take that picture again? I'd like to look slimmer."

(And thanks to www.carnivalmirror.com for the goofy image.)

Posted in Digital Cameras

Tagged: digital cameras, hp, pentax, www.carnivalmirror.com : Related Tags: digital cameras, slimmer

It's Alive! Mini Robopet (Nice for the Stocking ...)

November 10, 2006

Robopet, the most advanced interactive pet ever, is now available in a four-inch wind-up Mini Robopet version.

The perfect companion no matter where you go, the Mini Robopet has articulated legs, posable body and cool walking action.

Simply wind him up and let him go. No batteries required.

(How about that! You can even set up the Mini to "battle" other wind-up gadgets, like the famous walking -- and clacking -- set of teeth!)

MSRP: $14.95

The full-featured, remote-controlled big brother -- aka Robopet as noted above -- will set up back $89.95.

www.wowwee.com

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: mini robopet, robopet, wowwee : Related Tags: robopet

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Krusell Gets My Treo Stuck ...

November 9, 2006

... on the windshield.

Yes, that's right, Krusell's Windshield Holder is designed to conveniently mount mobile phones, GPS and PDAs to car windshields (or windows, if you prefer).

It's all in their Multidapt technology, a series of clip or swivel "solutions" for mobile phones, etc.

(And don't forget to keep it hands free when you're behind the wheel.)

www.krusell.se

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: krusell, multidapt, windshield holder : Related Tags: mobile phones, krusell

Comments

Mimobots to the Storage Rescue!

November 9, 2006

And now for something completely different!

Mimoco is a designer toy studio meets consumer electronics company based in Boston. Their mission: "To bring style and soul to personal tech devices and to inject interactivity into the burgeoning designer toy movement."

The fruits of their vision are the delicious and fresh mimobot designer toy USB flash drives that were launched late last year.

At DigitalLife 2006, talented NYC character creator and illustrator, Dino Alberto, was tapped by Albie Hecht, former President of Nickelodeon and Spike TV, to conceive a character to celebrate the launch of Hecht’s new CGI and HD production company, Worldwide Biggies Broadband Studios.

Meanwhile, I've been hanging out with "Fresno," from the Circus Punks X mimobot limited edition of 500.

Very cool -- art meets USB Drive.

Raging with fists of fury and boots a stompin', he was last seen slung over broken bumper cars ...

Mimobots are available in 256MB, 512MB, 1GB and 2GB capacities and produced in limited editions of 250 to 500 units. The hi-speed USB 2.0 drives are compatible with both Windows and Mac.

I told you it was something completely different ...

www.mimoco.com

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: digitallife 2006, mimobot, mimoco, usb flash drive : Related Tags: completely different, something completely, different mimoco, designer

Windows Vista: January 30, 2007

November 8, 2006

Microsoft has announced it has completed development work on the new Windows Vista operating system and confirmed that it will be available to consumers January 30, 2007.

(Nice New Year's present, we hope.)

The new operating system, which company officials are calling the most secure and reliable operating system yet, includes a variety of new features and new technologies to enhance performance and quality.

(With hopefully not too many patches to fix the boo-boos ...)

Posted in Computer Software

Tagged: microsoft, windows vista : Related Tags: operating system, windows vista, system, operating

An Early Peak at 'Black Friday' Ads

November 8, 2006

In gadget-land, as in all of retailing, Black Friday is one heck of a day -- it's the day after Thanksgiving that signals the "official" start of the holiday shopping season.

(Although retailers like Wal-mart are already pushing the envelope with sale prices that used to be reserved for that special time only ...)

Black Friday is also the day that retailers love to fill their stores early -- why else would there be 5:00 AM specials on that day for early birds (and those that haven't gone to sleep yet)?

For those of us who can't wait for the nice four-color printed flyers ("circulars") to show up in our mail box or paper and instead want a sneak peek at those ads, a number of web sites, like Black Friday 2006, have sprung up.

And after looking at those ads, let me tell you, some of those prices are "In-saaaane" like our boy Crazy Eddy used to say.

(Thanks to the Crazy Eddy Insane Tribute Page! for the photo at top.)

The music for the day? How about Steely Dan's "Black Friday?"

Oh and if you're looking for some Black Friday deals on Amazon, check this out!

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Friday-After-Thanksgiving-Sale/

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: black friday, crazy eddy, steely dan, wal-mart : Related Tags: black friday, looking black, friday, black, those, check

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NTP Says 'Hands Up' Palm

November 8, 2006

Not too surprising to see that NTP, the same company that got a bunch of millions from Research in Motion (RIM), the company behind the oh-so-popular Blackberry, is now going after Palm in the same manner.

The Blackberry story was hot earlier this year, and I'm sure the NTP/Palm face-off will be hot this tiime.

Wonder if Palm has learned anything from the earlier suit?

And now I have wonder about whether my Treo 650 will still be able to do what it's supposed to do?

It's always something ...

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: blackberry, ntp, palm, research in motion, rim, treo 650 : Related Tags:

FierceVoIP's Top 15 VoIP Companies of 2006

November 8, 2006

FierceVoIP has released a list of their Top 15 VoIP Companies of 2006, which FierceVoIP Editor Dan Rosenbaum calls the Fierce 15.

Dan writes: "I have a particular belief that the companies that will succeed most brilliantly are the ones that succeed in building an ecosystem around themselves, and that brilliant applications are at the forefront of today's VoIP industry…Some of these companies you've heard of. Some, I bet, you haven't. But you should. These are the best of breed for 2006."

It's an interesting list, which includes Empirix, SunRocket, Jajah, Iotum, Digium, GrandCentral, and several other notable players in the VoIP space.

Posted in VoIP

Tagged: digium, empirix, fiercevoip, grandcentral, iotum, jajah, sunrocket, voip : Related Tags: calls, companies, fiercevoip, sunrocket

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Skype 3.0 beta released

November 8, 2006

Skype 3.0 beta was just released. If you recall, I reported back in October at ITEXPO that Skype 3.0 beta would launch in November and that the biggest new features in Skype 3.0 beta are its plugin support and the click-to-dial feature. Of course, the Skype v2.6 beta already had "click to call" added, so really the plugin support is the main new feature. Of course, as I also reported, it really isn't like Firefox plugins, it's simply a new tab that lets you pick the most popular Skype applications and it will initiate the installation process.

Posted in ITEXPO, Skype

Tagged: skype, skype 3.0, voip : Related Tags: third party, skype applications, plugin support, popular skype, feature course, skype

Dialogic delivers industry's 1st multimedia processing platform for AdvancedTCA

November 8, 2006

Dialogic tomorrow will make their first significant announcement since their sale from Intel to Eicon.

According to Dialogic, they will announce the availability of the industry's first multimedia platform for AdvancedTCA. The platform will be used to deliver applications such as voice and video mail, color ringback tones, unified messaging, and audio conferencing over IP and PSTN interfaces in wireline and wireless environments using standard protocols for session and media control.

Posted in News, VoIP

Tagged: advancedtca, dialogic, eicon : Related Tags: platform advancedtca, dialogic, platform, advancedtca, industry, product

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Linksys CIT310 Phone for Yahoo Messenger

November 8, 2006

Linksys has partnered with Yahoo! to offer a new dual-mode cordless phone called the Linksys Dual-Mode Cordless Phone for Yahoo! Messenger with Voice (CIT310). Linksys sent me a review unit to check out and put through the paces. Similar to the Linksys CIT200 Skype phone I reviewed, the Linksys Yahoo Messenger CIT310 gives you low-cost PSTN Outbound calling using VoIP and FREE voice calling to your Yahoo Messenger buddies. Similarly the CIT200 also offered low-cost VoIP calling but using Skype's SkypeOut service and free Skype-to-Skype calling.

Posted in Gadgets, Mobile Phones, Reviews, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: cit300, cit310, dect, dual mode, im, linksys, skype, voice, voip, yahoo, yahoo messenger : Related Tags: yahoo messenger, phone yahoo, cordless phone, messenger voice, yahoo voice, yahoo

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PowerSquid's Got the Power Protection!

November 7, 2006

Flexity has put a whole new spin (and look!) on one of the essential "back office" elements of personal computing -- the lowly surge protector.

(Is there anything more utilitarian than that?)

Yes, believe it or not, that dull black or white (or even gray) strip of metal, some outlets and an electrical cable with plug has undergone a dramatic transformation.

(Dare I say almost of Cinderella proportions?)

Take a look at the award-winning PowerSquid surge protector in the photo (the Surge 3000-Calamari edition); have you ever seen anything like it? (Except maybe in the water ...)

The Surge 3000-Calamari Edition’s graceful cephalopod (that's fancy for "squid") design and stylish blue-on-white highlights really make this squid-like (especially once you feel those "legs"). Obvioiusly it looks cool with Apple Mac products, but even my Dell looks a bit spiffier with this thing.

(Am sure it would do the same for you.)

Oh, and don't think this is all design and no guts; it comes fully loaded with a feature set that includes:

3240 Joule rating Six flexible outlets Two glowing neon tentacles Audible alarm Tripwire Fail-Safe Circuit Flat profile fit 360° rotating swivel plug 8 foot cord $500,000 limited connected equipment warranty

MSRP: $79.95

www.powersquid.net

Posted in Computer Hardware

Tagged: apple, calamari, dell, flexity, mac, powersquid, surge 3000 : Related Tags: surge protector, surge calamari, calamari edition, surge, powersquid

Camrivox Adds Google Talk Support To Stand-Alone VoIP Phones And Telephony Adapters

November 7, 2006

Camrivox has announced that it has added support for Google Talk to its range of Flexor IP telephony adapters and IP phones. The Flexor line of products allow users to register a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) account and a Google Talk account simultaneously on the same VoIP device. The Flexor line also supports analog FXO/FXS ports, so it can also make/receive landline/PSTN calls. Interesting that you can do SIP, Google Talk, and PSTN in/out all from one ATA (analog telephony adaptor). Indeed, it looks like the Flexor 151 and 201 are both nice converged ATAs -- all from a company I just learned about today.

Posted in Google, VoIP

Tagged: camrivox, flexor, google talk, sip, voip : Related Tags: telephony adapters, phones flexor, flexor, google, camrivox, telephony

Xbox 360 Live Movie/Video Downloads Skip the PC: Yes!

November 7, 2006

We blogged about it last week and now it's true.

Users of Microsoft's Xbox 360 Live video game service soon will be able to download TV shows like South Park and CSI as well as movies like V for Vendetta via deals inked with half a dozen Hollywood studios. (Thanks CEA SmartBrief.)

Some 1,000 hours of programming will be available by the end of year for a price that will be "competitive" with iTunes and other similar services, according to Microsoft amid a flurry of coverage.

This is exciting for gamers and even more exciting for movie/video fans; this planned service skips the PC to get the programming and then get it onto a viewing device (like a TV, for instance).

Is the Xbox 360 going to last a long time as the center of the home entertainment experience?

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

Tagged: itunes, microsoft, xbox 360 live : Related Tags: movie video, video, microsoft

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Globe Dialer mobile app enables cheap international calls

November 7, 2006

Globe Dialer is a proprietary software application that you download directly onto your mobile phone. Their software allows you to make convenient, low-cost, 'one-click' international calls, which no doubt uses VoIP termination. Of course, as I have reported, Jajah offers something similar, and they even offer free worldwide dialing, though there is a catch. Talkplus also offers a mobile app to download, but its primary purpose isn't inexpensive mobile dialing, though that is one of its benefits.

Globe Dialer has no "catch" and it's sole function is inexpensive international calls.

Posted in Mobile Phones, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: globe dialer, international calls, jajah, mobile calling, mobile phone, talkplus, voip, wireless : Related Tags: globe dialer, international calls, operated bangladesh, looking mobile, white route, mobile

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Broadcom PC-less Skype Wi-Fi phone

November 7, 2006

Broadcom today announced that the Broadcom Wi-Fi phone now supports Skype software. Similar to other Pc-less Skype phones, you will be able to scroll through your contacts, see presence info, make free Skype-to-Skype calls, as well as SkypeIn and SkypeOut support if you paid for these optional services. The beauty of this WiFi Skype phone is of course you don't have to be tethered to your PC, nor does this Skype phone have to communicate with a base station connected (via USB) to a PC running Skype.

The handset features include a high-resolution color display, speakerphone and Buffalo’s AOSS easy configuration protocol.

Posted in Skype, Wireless

Tagged: broadcom, pc-less, phone, skype, wifi : Related Tags: reference designs, skype phone, reference design, typically creates, broadcom typically, skype

Slower Gadget Sales This Holiday?

November 6, 2006

The gadgets sooth sayers (also known as industry analysts) are predicting slower growth in holiday electronics sales, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle.

(Can you believe that?)

The sayers note that consumer electronics sales will continue to grow, but not at the pace of previous years.

(Well, the NYSE and "the market" like slow growth.)

The reason: Price drops and the maturing of some gadgets.

Still, the Consumer Electronics Association predicts consumers will spend approximately $200 each on "electronics gifts."

What's going to be under your tree (or other appropriate holiday symbol)?

Posted in Gadgets

Tagged: consumer electronics association, holiday sales, houston chronicle, nyse : Related Tags: consumer electronics, electronics sales, electronics, sales, holiday

New Nikon D40 on Its Way?

November 6, 2006

Back in the analog camera days (when they were just "cameras"), there was nothing like a Nikon -- and in today's digital imaging (aka digital camera) days, there is still nothing like a Nikon.

Not surprised then to catch a bit of the fever and buzz about the new, upcoming Nikon D40, which is supposedly smaller and lighter than the couple-of-year-old D50 and D70.

For those camera buffs who want to take a close-up peak what the D40 might look like, please click here.

And if you bring one back from Japan, please send us an image.

Posted in Digital Cameras

Tagged: d40, d50, d70, digital camera, nikon : Related Tags: nikon, camera

IPNetworked added to Gigaom blog family

November 6, 2006

Om Malik has added a new blog to his portfolio called IPNetworked. According to Om, "IPNetworked is a blog that will exclusively track the telecom carriers, cable companies, Internet service providers, Web hosting services, and the data centers. Speed changes, legislative matters, price cuts, and IPTV – it will cover a wide gamut of topics."

Russell Shaw will be one of the writers on this new blog. Congrats Russell on the new writing diggs after leaving VON Magazine.

Posted in News, Triple Play, VoIP

Tagged: blog, gigaom, ipnetworked, om malik, russell shaw : Related Tags: russell, bloggers, telecom, regulations, ipnetworked

Fonality launches new PBXtra Professional Edition

November 6, 2006

Fonality, provider of Asterisk-based IP telephony solutions (including trixbox 2.0), today announced the release of its new PBXtra Professional Edition IP-PBX and HUD (Heads-Up Display) Team application. I spoke with Chris Lyman, CEO of Fonality to get the scoop on this news. The short take is that PBXtra Professional Edition is a notch up from their Standard Edition targetting larger businesses that aren't necessarily call centers, scaling from 50 to 500 seats with enterprise-class features. Similarly, HUD Pro is launching, which is a big upgrade of HUD, offering more features that are interesting to larger companies - more on that later.

Posted in Asterisk, Avaya

Tagged: asterisk, fonality, hud team, pbxtra, pbxtra professional edition, trixbox, voip : Related Tags: professional edition, pbxtra professional, chris lyman, fonality, edition, pbxtra

Bridgeport Networks receives funding

November 4, 2006

BridgePort Networks is a leader in mobile VoIP convergence and a company I've been following for quite some time. On Monday, BridgePort Networks will announce a new investment of $13 million in Venture Capital financing in the company by its current investors.

Including previous financings of $3 million in seed financing, $10 million announced in January 2004 and $25 million announced in September 2004, the new financing brings the total capital raised by the company to $51 million.

Existing investors TD Capital Ventures, Polaris Venture Partners, General Catalyst Partners and BCE Capital all participated in the financing. Funds will be used for working capital in the support of the many channel partners and integrators currently working with BridgePort Networks on market trials at major telecom service providers of the company’s NomadicONE™ core network convergence software.

According to Bridgeport Networks, "Whilst the company remains the leader in the emerging Voice Call Continuity (VCC) market for seamless voice handover between cellular and Wi-Fi technologies, the new funds will also be used to broaden and deepen applications for its MobileSTICK USB-SIM solution which transforms personal computers into voice, multimedia messaging and presence terminals for mobile operator services, leveraging standards-based VoIP technology."

“BridgePort Networks has largely completed its product and solution development phases and is mid-way through channel development and enablement, with several major relationships already in place”, said Mike Mulica, President and CEO of BridgePort Networks. “As the FMC market transitions to commercial deployment, this new funding positions the company well for the scale-up phase that will occur during 2007 and 2008. In particular, we are increasing our investment in our MobileSTICK solution, which is experiencing strong demand from Tier One mobile and integrated operators and can quickly scale without dependencies on new converged phones, new standards or IMS deployment.

Posted in Mobile Phones, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: bridgeport networks, mobile, mobile phone, mobilestick, voip : Related Tags: bridgeport networks, million announced, bridgeport, networks, company, million

QuickOffice Does the Symbian Shuffle

November 3, 2006

For anyone going mobile, the less gadgets the better. (Rather than the more the merrier.)

Why carry a separate cell phone and MP3 player when you can carry a single gadget that does both?

For that matter, why carry a cell phone and a notebook computer when you can carry a single gadget that does both?

(Good questions, aren't they?)

In the mobile documents field, there a couple of choices and Quickoffice recently previewed Quickoffice 4.0 for S60, a major upgrade to its award-winning solution, at the 2006 Symbian Smartphone Show.

Quickoffice provides smartphone users mobile access to Microsoft Office documents, allowing them to open, edit and save documents in their native format.

In case you're wondering about Symbian, Nokia just named Quickoffice the Series 60 "3rd Edition Challenge Winner" in the category of best enterprise applications for the smartphone. This was announced at the Symbian SmartPhone Show.

www.quickoffice.com

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: mobile phones, nokia, quickoffice 4.0, s60, symbian, symbian smartphone show : Related Tags: symbian smartphone, single gadget, fewer, quickoffice, carry, smartphone

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Get Your iPod Shuffle: In Stores Now

November 3, 2006

It may not the product we've all been waiting for, but the new iPod shuffle is now available.

Nearly half the size of the original, the new iPod shuffle is just half a cubic inch in volume, weighs just half an ounce and features a minimal aluminum design with a built-in clip, making it the most wearable iPod ever.

The new iPod shuffle contains one gigabyte of flash memory -- 240 songs -- and costs $79.

(Like how we are starting to see some downward pricing pressure on Apple ... )

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio

Tagged: apple, ipod shuffle : Related Tags: shuffle

How Many NYC Marathons with Nike+?

November 3, 2006

With the New York City Marathon this weekend -- Sunday to be exact -- got to wondering how many runners will be equipped with MP3 players to pass the time (does add a bit of weight, though).

That thought then moved on to how many runners will be get up with Nike+ shoes, the Nike+iPod Sport Kit and an iPod Nano? This is the setup that puts the iPod in the shoe (could cause a bit of a balance problem, eh?).

Bet the top runners won't be passing the time this way, but would make mucho sense to go the mobile music route for the marathoners out for the fun of it.

Hey, and if not music, then how about mobile phone calls during the race? Get the Bluetooth set up, get the earpiece attached nicely and find a spot for the phone.

Will anyone still be running with headphones and a CD player or cassette player or AM/FM radio? Bet there will be some.

Posted in MP3 Players & Digital Audio

Tagged: am/fm radio, cassette player, cd player, ipod, mp3 player, nano, new york city marathon, nike+ : Related Tags: runners

How About Xbox Live HD Movie Downloads?

November 3, 2006

Who's going to win the battle for the living room and all of our entertainment eyeballs (or at least the non-mobile part)?

(Good question. )

Making a very interesting area even more interesting is news that Xbox Live could be used to download HD movie content!

According to Engadget, more than 1,000 hours of video would be available to rent at $4 a pop. Movie purchase prices weren't revealed.

Great way to swim around the PC download drill ...

But will all of the possible ways to obtain (or rent) a movie, either actively (like going to those old brick-and-mortar stores) or passively (couch potatoes!), is too much choice simply too much choice?

Posted in Video Hardware & Software

Tagged: engadget, hd movie downloads, xbox live : Related Tags: movie

Garmin Wins Dutch Lawsuit Brought by TomTom

November 2, 2006

Garmin has today received a decision of the District Court in The Hague, Netherlands denying the preliminary injunction sought by TomTom International B.V. in preliminary relief proceedings alleging infringement by Garmin of a European registered design owned by TomTom. The court also ordered TomTom to pay Garmin's 37,000 euros to cover attorney fees for defending the preliminary relief proceedings.

Posted in GPS, Gadgets

Tagged: garmin, garmin 2720, tomtom : Related Tags: lawsuit tomtom, relief proceedings, infringement garmin, preliminary relief, garmin filed, garmin

Sangoma shipping the A102d dual port E1/T1/PRI Asterisk card

November 2, 2006

Sangoma Technologies Corporation, announced today that the A102d, a dual port E1/T1/PRI card with carrier-grade echo cancellation is now shipping. Although Sangoma's cards work on a variety of applications, the most popular is using Sangoma hardware on Asterisk PBX servers. (See my Asterisk Sangoma test drive article)

The A102d includes the same digital processing and PCI/PCI Express technology as the four-port A104d card and is intended to provide the benefits of hardware-based echo cancellation and voice enhancement for smaller, two-port T1/E1 installations at a lower cost. The A102d also supports DMF encoding/decoding and tone recognition, voice quality enhancement and adaptive noise reduction.

"The A102d was developed in response to the continuing demand for a small capacity, low-cost E1/T1 card with telco-grade echo cancellation," says Sangoma Technologies president and CEO David Mandelstam.

Posted in Asterisk

Tagged: a102d, asterisk, freeswitch, pbx, sangoma, voip, yate : Related Tags: sangoma technologies, sangoma, asterisk, cancellation

4 Million: That's a Lot of Wii

November 2, 2006

Yes, while Sony is seemingly scaping together as many PS3 units as possible for the holidays, Nintendo plans to ship 4 million Wii gaming consoles by the end of the year.

(Thanks to Red Herring for the news and remember that is worldwide shipments, not U.S. only.)

Let's see, if each console sells for $249 and Nintendo sells 4 million that would be just shy of $1 billion in sales revenue. (That's a lot of money -- dollars, yen, Euros, etc. -- not matter how you look at it.)

Who says games are just for kids?

Posted in Video Games & Gaming

Tagged: nintendo, ps3, red herring, sony, wii : Related Tags: million

Cingular Starts To Sing

November 1, 2006

Now Cingular is getting into the music business?

If I'm reading the Wall Street Journal correctly (and I usually do), then Cingular is joining the fray with Verizon and its V Cast music service to give the iPod a run for its money.

Unfortunately, the phone companies (or "wireless service providers") seemingly face a never-ending uphill battle to make their cell phones into cool, practical MP3 players that anyone wants to use. (What is it about that iPod anyway?)

Maybe Cingular's partnership with Napster, Yahoo Music and eMusic will make this turn out different?

Once again, we the gadget consuming population will vote with our wallets (nice ramp up to Election Day, eh?)

Posted in Mobile Phones

Tagged: cingular, emusic, ipod, napster, v cast, verizon, wall street journal, yahoo music : Related Tags: cingular, music

Comments

ZTMax iMage driverless USB camera

November 1, 2006

New USB video camera from ZTMax that is driver-less called the iMage. Essentially, it's a driverless CCD webcam that works on both PC and MAC. Not requiring a driver is pretty cool, but do we need another USB camera on an already USB camera-saturated market?

Features:
- 640 x 480 (VGA) 1/7-inch color CCD sensor.
- 15 frames per second.
- USB Interface 2.0.
- Compatible operating systems WINDOWS XP SP2, MAC OS X (10.4.3)
- Screw holes for wall mounting.
- Screw holes for tripod mount.
- Magnetic Mount.
- Certification FCC/CE/MIC
- Height: 2 5/16" (44mm)
- Width: 1 3/4" (25mm)
- Length: 1" (58mm)
- Works with: MSN Messenger, Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, AIM and more...
- Accessories: One 5ft, Type-A to Mini-B USB 2.0 cable, One Travel bag
- 1 Yr Warranty

Posted in Digital Cameras, Gadgets, Microsoft, News

Tagged: camera, image, usb, ztmax : Related Tags: screw holes, camera

Another Classic Goes Bye-Bye: Syntax-Brillian Buys Vivitar

November 1, 2006

The camera business -- and the classic industry names like Kodak, Fujifilm, etc. -- has never been the same since digital reared its head a decade ago and "digital imaging" replaced "photography" in everyday speech.

Now, in the latest development, HD set manufacturer Syntax-Brillian has announced that it will purchase film and digital camera maker Vivitar Corp. for $26 million in stock. Syntax-Brillian is counting on its acquisition to give it a bona fide entry into the digital photo business.

(As if there isn't competition enough? Remember how many digital camera manufacturers there used to be, say, five years ago?)

Besides tapping into digital still camera production, Syntax-Brillian said it also expects to use Vivitar's current distribution channels to create new outlets for its HD LCD monitors, notably the Olevia brand. And are there other synergies to come out of this deal ...

(All this news from HD Notebook.)

Posted in Digital Cameras

Tagged: fujifilm, hd lcd tvs, hd notebook, kodak, olevia, syntax-brillian.vivitar : Related Tags: syntax brillian, digital camera, digital, brillian, camera, syntax

Jangl powers dating site Match.com Anonymous Voice Chat

November 1, 2006

Match.com, a powerhouse in the online dating scene today announced matchTalk, a system that assigns the couple a unique number that they can use to talk to each other without giving out their real telephone number or other personal details. Anonymity - or at least protecting your private number is certainly key in online dating. What the news doesn't disclose is that Jangl powers this matchTalk system. People with Caller ID will see the matchTalk number instead of their actual phone number.

Posted in Mobile Phones, VoIP, Wireless

Tagged: chat, jangl, match.com, online dating, talkplus, voice : Related Tags: online dating, jangl powers, match, number, dating, matchtalk

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Megan is just too cute for words

November 1, 2006

It's not often I share personal photos on my blog's home page. I prefer to stick to the tech news, reviews, etc. but I couldn't resist sharing these two adorable pictures of my daughter, Megan. Watching her mentally develop is just as exciting as testing some newfandangled gadget. The first photo was one of the first times Megan learned how to reach out and pet our dog, Jessie. Though Megan's "petting" was more like "slapping". Fortunately, Jessie has a sweet disposition, so she doesn't seem to mind Megan's uncoordinated slap petting.

Posted in Personal and Humor

VoIP & Gadgets Blog

November 2006