Gadgets

sipgate adds SIP-based VoIP support to iPhone

June 4, 2008

sipgate today announced the a free VoIP application for the iPhone that they claim will allow consumers to use virtually every any VoIP service on the iPhone.

sipgate claims that iPhone users can make and receive VoIP calls from their phones over a Wi-Fi connection using any SIP-based VoIP provider. Unlike Truphone, another iPhone VoIP app, it doesn't appear you need to jailbreak your iPhone to enable SIP-based VoIP support that works with any SIP-based ITSP. In addition it comes with 111 minutes of domestic calling is included if you use sipgate's SIP-based service to test out the service.

Of course, as I have written before, this service will only work over a Wi-Fi connection and not the iPhone's cellular data connection. At the Apple iPhone SDK event, Steve Jobs stated that if someone develops a VoIP program for the iPhone, Apple will allow it if it goes over WiFi and not the cellular network.

Posted in Apple, Gadgets, Mobile Phones, SIP, TMCnet, VoIP, Wireless

Shake, Rattle and Roll Those Gadgets

June 2, 2008

Manufacturers are increasingly embedding accelerometers and other sensors into their gadgets, according to an article in today's New York Times, allowing them to respond to movement without waiting for us to push a button. Game designers and other programmers are jumping to remake user interfaces so that users can direct gadgets with a nudge, a tilt or a shake.

It's the Wii but in something you already own/use for another purpose, like your mobile phone.

Some of the applications are silly. The programmer Graham Oldfield turned his Nokia N95 cellphone into a virtual light saber by writing software that tracked the phone’s movement using the built-in accelerometer.

(Actually, I think that's pretty cool -- if you think so, too, are are gadget-ready, you can download the software for free here. BTW, that's the 1956 Zenith "Flash-matic" Remote Control -- "the granddaddy of the 'clickers'" from TVHistory.tv.

Posted in Gadgets

CloudBlue for Recycling Gadgets

May 30, 2008

With more and more gadgets comes the need to get rid of some of them sometimes! But no more just dumping them in the trash -- recycle, now that's the ticket!

CloudBlue offers a suite of services that enable its customers (think corporate -- and you can too at your workplace to clear room for more stuff) to maximize the financial value of their electronic assets while exceeding strict environmental standards. In other words, they help assist in proper equipment disposal.

What's nice is their reach -- facilities in Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, New Jersey and Virginia. Customers include leading OEMs, VARS, IT consultants, schools and corporations.

So once again, think about recycling being greater than just those gadgets at home.

www.cloudblue.com

Posted in Gadgets

New Jawbone headset is sexy

May 15, 2008

The new Jawbone, made by Aliph, is 50% smaller than the original Jawbone. This Gen 2 Jawbone Bluetooth headset enhances the original Jawbone's claim-to-fame capability - namely its superb ability to suppress background noise.

Here's some more pics of this sexy Bluetooth headset:

The noise reduction feature was originally called "Noise Shield" but is now called "NoiseAssassin". Jawbone's NoiseAssassin technology feels your speech with its patented Voice Activity Sensor (VAS). The Jawbone headset uses the VAS to distinguish the sound of your voice from ambient noise with incredible accuracy and then uses proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms to subtract the noise so only the sound of your voice comes through.

The NoiseAssassin technology was originally developed by Aliph for DARPA (The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), which creates and delivers breakthrough technology for the U.S.

Posted in Gadgets, Headsets, Mobile Phones, News, TMCnet, VoIP, Wireless

Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000

May 13, 2008

Microsoft launched a webcam called the Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 that "literally bends over backwards for you." Or at least, that's what Microsoft says.

Somehow picturing a webcam and bending over backwards sounds a wee bit pornographic is you ask me. That is until I found out what the fuss was all about. The LifeCam VX-5000 lets you "bend" its shape. The bendable attachment base that molds to virtually any surface so it can work on either a notebook or a desktop.

The LifeCam VX-5000 features a brightly colored ring around the front of the webcam in the colors Cool Blue, Lucky Green and Fire Red. The LifeCam VX-5000 also features MSN Photo Swap, a special feature that lets consumers share digital photos in midvideo conversation and see real-time reactions as both callers view the pictures.

Posted in Digital Cameras, Gadgets, Microsoft

CNET's Tech Tips Can't Be Beat

May 12, 2008

So many tech sites and so little time!

With that in mind, I've always found CNET to be very useful, especially for its handy Tips & Tricks. In fact, it's usually my first stop when I've got to figure something out and don't already have that knowledge stored somewhere (usually in my own unique personal storage device -- my head).

Take a look at their latest Top 5 list, which includes:

* Moving your iTunes library from PC to Mac

* Quick home-theater buying tips

* Optimize your iPhone using playlists

* HDTV: Comparing 720p vs. 1080p

* Find a Vista-compatible graphics card

This beats Googling every day!

Posted in Gadgets

So What Did Mom Get?

May 12, 2008

Now that Mother's Day has come and gone -- and I hope it was a happy day for all! -- curious to know what gadget mom got?

You mean you stuck with flowers and candy?!

We went for a new cell phone -- Moto RAZR -- and a new service since AT&T is just so bad! And we also went for cards, flowers, candy, dinner, etc., too! (Thanks to Mothersdaycentral for the image.)

Now I want to know about you? What did you do? Did you make Mother's Day Gadget Day?

Posted in Gadgets

DVD Book Type Setting - Troubleshooting DVD Burning Problems

April 29, 2008

Codeguys.rpc1.org is a popular website run by C0deKing and Kanalratte that offers crossflashing and overclocking of your DVD±RW drives using "hacked" firmware for your DVD burner. Often the hacked firmware enables missing features such as overclocking the speed of the DVD burn and more importantly, setting the 'book type' permanently to "DVD-ROM". (more on that later) RPC1.org also offer "autopatchers", which are are easy do-it-yourself tools with an easy-to-use GUI to patch DVD burner firmware.

I recently bought a Sony DRU-840A DVD burner and when I tried to burn a home movie I noticed Nero didn't list the booktype setting under the 'Options' button. (Here's a screenshot of the book type setting in Nero on my Vista PC with a different DVD burner:)

The Book Type setting, also knowns as "bitsetting" allows you to change DVD+R media's default book type of "DVD+R" & "DVD+RW" to "DVD-ROM" more more compatibility with home DVD players which are looking for this particular book type.

Posted in Gadgets, Home Entertainment, Video Hardware & Software

Is Mother's Day 2008 Gadget Day?

April 28, 2008

With Mother's Day fast approaching, what will be the gadget of choice to give the electric mom? She's probably already got an iPod, digital camera, GPS -- or maybe this is the year of GPS? What do you think? The suggestion box is open ...

Posted in Gadgets

SPOT Watches R.I.P.

April 24, 2008

Microsoft is giving up on the SPOT watch which leverages MSN Direct (FM frequency transmission) to send stock quotes, news, and even sync your Outlook calendar with your watch.

The only person who I know owns one is Rich Tehrani, who reviewed one here. He will be so upset to hear the news. Well, least his wrist will be 3 pounds lighter so his typing should improve.

You know what the problem was? They didn't have VoIP on the watch. Now if you could talk to your watch - ala Dick Tracey (see image) then this product may have succeeded. Then again, maybe not...

Via Engadget
Watch Image Top - Credit to Engadget

Posted in Accessories, Gadgets, Microsoft, TMCnet

Previous 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 ... 65 Next

VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Gadgets