gPhone
As mentioned on CrunchGear, looks like Google’s gPhone has been “confirmed” for Q1 2008.
With its own Google maps, integration with Gmail and gCal, as well as Google Talk. Should be interesting if its data only and no voice plan.
Hide-a-Pod
Do you need to say more than the tagline: “The ultimate iPod Anti-Theft Device . . . Hide it in a Zune*!”
But I think I would still feel dirty carrying that around.
Thanks to Engadget for this.
iPhone Goodies
In case you thought I was not following each news byte with baited breath… glass surface and eight hours of talk.
From our quality friends at Engadget.
Audiovox SMT5600
I just got the Audiovox SMT5600
But for a phone from 2004, I am impressed with the SMT5600. It is a the perfect size that I was looking for, about the same as most candybar phones (4.2 x 1.8 x 0.6 inches) and much smaller then the Blackberry-sized phones above. It has a nice big and bright screen and powers with USB/Firewire (like the Blackberry). The downside is that its not a full keyboard but the predictive T9 system seems to be pretty good and figuring out what I mean. I feel a little dirty going to the Windows Mobile darkside, but being able to navigate the phone as a USB drive is handy.
The Exchange Server integration is great so will handle my needs well.
Review on MobileTechReview for the HTC Typhoon 5600 (OEM maker).
Some Tips for the SMT5600.
Virtual Communities
Lots of talk these days of Online or Virtual Communities. Everyone wants to create a Second Life Killer or at least not get left too far behind. At GDC yesterday, Sony announced Playstation Home for PS3:
Some call it “Myspace 2.0″ or “Third Life”, or “Xbox Catchup”. Xbox360 has had online community for years now and is the Console to beat:
The Wii has potential for the Casual Gamer, and online it really only has avatars:
I wrote before on Second life as well as on Entropia Universe. Another big Virtual hangout is Habbo Hotel, and I am finally going to check out The Sims Online (TSO) soon.
iPottie
Apple products, yet to be invented. Some very funny stuff in here. From the Worth1000 contest page:
Apple Inc. made their mark in the computer arena. They revolutionized the music player industry, and now they’re poised to take over the phone market. What will Steve and the gang come up with next?
For this contest, you’re required to sneak us into Apple’s R&D facility and show us what new products they are currently giving the patented “Apple” look. iToaster? iFork? iBus? iPencil sharpener? You tell us.
As always, have fun, be creative!, avoid cliches, and follow the guidelines please. You will have 48 hours to submit so make your entry count!
Note: Apple-style advertisements are allowed.
As seen from Pogue’s The iToaster, the iWatch and the iRon? and Design Sojourn. And ironically enough, Fred Wilson also posted about a throne.
iPhone
I want.
- OS X
- 2-megapixel camera
- 4 ($499) or 8GB ($599) versions
- 3.5-inch, 160-pixel per inch patented touch screen
- 11.6mm thin
- Cingular in July
Lots of peeps covering this: Om, Engadget, TechCrunch, Jason.
iPod Family Tree
A great graphic from Engadget on the iPod evolution. Also makes me want to upgrade to video soon.
Data over power lines
An article by IHT on the progress of BPL (Broadband over Power Lines), and new products coming to market. I still wait for the day…
Panasonic started selling its HD-PLC Ethernet adapters for power lines last month. A $200 starter kit provides two units, each about the size of two sticks of butter. One adapter is attached to a router with a short Ethernet cable and plugged into a nearby wall outlet. The second device is plugged into an outlet elsewhere in the house. When a computer is linked to it with an Ethernet cable, data is transmitted through the home’s electrical wiring at speeds of up to 190 megabits a second. Up to seven devices can run on the network.
Netgear, a leading maker of wireless networking gear, will be selling a similar system next month for $250. (Every additional module costs $130.) It moves data at a slightly faster rate.
Marantz says its ZR6001SP receiver will send music to special speakers in another room over power lines. The system, which includes both devices, will sell for about $1,200. Additional speaker units cost $300. The music listener controls the receiver and the players connected to it from a control pad on the speakers
