Gadgets

Watch classic episodes on AOL's In2TV

November 14, 2005

Well, AOL may not be making movies available for download like I just ranted about 10 minutes ago, but thousands of TV episodes from some of the most popular television series of all time will make a comeback exclusively on AOL.com in early 2006, thanks to a pioneering collaboration between AOL and Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution to form a new broadband network. The network– called In2TV – will showcase full-length episodes from favorite series such as Welcome Back Kotter, Sisters, Beetlejuice, Lois & Clark, La Femme Nikita and Growing Pains free and on-demand on the Web. I googled "In2TV" and only a MSN Groups link appeared. Wonder if there will be a lawsuit over the name?

I wonder what TVLand, the "classic TV station" has to say about this AOL news offering "free" classic TV episodes? Also, woefully neglected from this free download list is Dukes of Hazzard, Knight Rider, Star Trek, the A-Team, and all other cool TV series. Of course, Star Trek still is being succesfully re-run on the Sci-Fi channel so they no doubt pay licensing rights, which eventually ends up in Captain Kirk's pocket (as well as the other actors/actresses).

Posted in Gadgets

AOL Hi-Q DVD video format downloads

November 14, 2005

Nearly half of online consumers are watching video online, according to Forrester Research, and AOL.com is the first portal to introduce a trial for a new “AOL Hi-Q” high quality video format. The AOL.com trial will initially offer more than 100 "DVD quality" videos, providing a new way for consumers to enjoy video online. Content available in Hi-Q format will be free and on-demand at http://www.aol.com/video, and will include movie trailers, music videos, video game trailers, original
content and more. When I can download Raiders of the Lost Ark or the Star Wars Trilogy at $2.99 per movie, then I'll get more excited about this news.

Posted in Gadgets, Reviews

Satellite TV signal behind trees

November 11, 2005

Someone emailed me about his satellite TV problem not being able to penetrate some trees. He writes, "I have a line of trees behind my house and the sky engineer says its not poss for me to ever get satellite. ...surely this isn't the case? Do you know of a product I can purchase to solve my problem?"

I'm not sure I know myself the solution to satellite signal issues when the satellite dish is behind a line of trees, however I know I have seen houses with satellite dishes that were partially and even completely obstructed by trees.

Posted in Gadgets

Streaming live sports to mobile devices

November 9, 2005

Are you a sports addict? Wish you could view your favorite sports team on your mobile device? Well, SmartVideo Technologies and CSTV/College Sports Television have signed an agreement to deliver video and audio programming to mobile devices, such as cell phones, PDAs, etc.

Relatedly, I should mention that CBS announced on Nov. 3 the acquisition of CSTV Networks, Inc. I wonder if the CBS acquisition will have any impact on any sort of mobile TV streaming of any live CBS sporting events? You'd think a traditional broadcast company such as CBS would not support live Internet TV streaming or that they'd at least delay the Internet stream 20 minutes or so just so their traditional broadcast has a competitive advantage.

Posted in Gadgets, Mobile Phones

Technology lowers car cabin noise level

November 9, 2005

Experts say a quiet cabin is important because it allows drivers to hear their music, cell phone or other passengers more easily. Engineers at Buick used a digital recording device called Aachen (Ah-Kin) Head to improve the sound in their latest model, the Lucerne.

The technology was not only used to lower the vehicle’s noise level, it was also used to improve the sound quality of several components – including the power windows, doors and even the glove box.

No word on whether they've added sound-proofing materials to the back seats to block the noise of children playing with their GameBoys, Nintendo DS, or Sony PSP, as well as any loud sibling quarrels. "Mom, he's touching me." "Well John touched me first" "No I didn't!" "Yes you did!" "I don't care who touched who first. Now be quiet or I'm going to make you both walk home!" Sound familiar?

Posted in Gadgets

Motorola Razr V3i launches

November 8, 2005

Leveraging the world-wide success of the Motorola RAZR, Motorola revealed two new colors and two new versions of the popular handset. The Motorola RAZR V3i, RAZR in pink and blue and RAZR for the CDMA network with EV-DO are expected to be available in various regions in Q4 2005. These new updates to the popular RAZR were widely expected but there is no mention of any features added to the Motorola V3i such as having iTunes support. No doubt Verizon and Cingular will be selling these puppies very soon.

Posted in Gadgets, Mobile Phones, Reviews

Bluetooth GPS problems solved?

November 1, 2005

I don't own a BlueTooth GPS receiver, so I cannot attest to the complexity or issues involved with maintaining a good connection between the Bluetooth GPS receiver and an end-user device, but this bit of news below seems to suggest it is harrier than trying to diffuse a nuclear bomb blindfolded. Nevertheless, I thought this bit of news merited sharing since I'm a huge fan of GPS technology and you might find it useful.

Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT), an innovative provider of mobile productivity products, today announced enhancements to its GPS Nav Kit including: Socket's patent pending Connect!Agent software, new application features, updated North American and Western European map data and Windows Mobile 5.0 support. With the updated GPS Nav Kit, Socket now provides the best experience possible to users looking to add a complete, no-hassle cordless GPS navigation solution to their mobile device.

"The average Bluetooth user experience is full of complicated device and software setups, along with compatibility and security issues," said Donnie Wong, GPS product marketing manager at Socket Communications. "Our breakthrough Connect!Agent software greatly simplifies cordless connectivity and eliminates the hassles of managing multiple Bluetooth devices for a mobile user.

Posted in GPS, Gadgets

How to iPod enable your car

October 24, 2005

So you want to iPod enable your car and aren't satisfied with FM transmitters or cassette adaptors? Do your discerning audiphile ears require only the "best" iPod listening experience? Well, look no further than the video tutorial offered by Autobytel. Check out their How-to in their news release which includes a link to the video step-by-step guide on how to iPod-enable your car.

Posted in Gadgets

Nokia L'Amour mobile phones

October 21, 2005

Posted in Gadgets, Mobile Phones

Art Deco Collectable Chinese rosewood dragon phone

October 21, 2005

Posted in Gadgets

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