Developages - Development and Technology Blog

I was on the phone with TMC’s Verizon representative to discuss changing our mobile phone plans. The Verizon rep told me it was bad timing since their entire intranet ordering system had completely crashed as a result of the Blackberry Storm launch. TMC’s business Verizon rep couldn’t even make changes to our account as a result. Well, it certainly looks like the Storm is having a tremendously successful launch. Should the iPhone be worried?

Heck, hundreds of people lined up at Verizon Wireless stores today across the U.S. to buy the BlackBerry Storm, the first touch-screen phone from Research In Motion.

According to Reuters, more than 200 people had waited at a Verizon store in mid-town Manhattan but were turned away after it ran out of the new phones less than an hour after opening. The angry customers were seen wielding pitchforks and torches until the police came to restore order. No really…

Tags: blackberry storm, crash, mobile phone, Storm, Verizon

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Copyright VoIP &amp Gadgets Blog

Original post by nafiz

Got a favourite album or track that’s so damn good you want everyone to hear it? Well then step forward the BoomBench. Created by German designer Michael Schoner of NL Architects, it’s a park bench sized Bluetooth compatible sound system with twin 60-watt co-axial speakers and two subwoofers built in. There’s also a bass shaker in the seat which we’re guessing simply vibrates to the music and it was demoed in Amsterdam last month for the Urban Play event. The idea is that those sitting on the bench can pair their portable MP3 player/mobile phone and pump tunes through it, which is a great idea in principle, though some numpty is bound to turn up with a ‘Best of Michael Bolton’ album and ruin it for everyone. Sadly we don’t think these will be replacing the boring old wooden benches any times soon, but you can check out the video of it in action below. - Paul Lester [HackADay] BoomBench Bluetooth speakers

Original post by nafiz

We have to apologise up front that you can’t get this phone here because Nokia has decided [wrongly] that only people in Hong Kong appreciate Bruce Lee. And would pay over the top money to get a special edition phone with Bruce stamped all over it. That doesn’t mean we can’t tease you horribly though because we desperately want one too. This is the N96, Nokia’s flagship multimedia phone Hong Kong-style: a Limited Edition Bruce Lee mobile with his face and signature carved on the back, and bundled with numerous accessories and a cool Bruce Lee action figure from Enterbay. However, it does cost an estimated £800 here [Chinese]. The only consolation we can offer though is possibly the best promo video for a phone we have ever seen. Jump now.Nunchuck table tennis. Even Bruce would smile at that one.-Martin Lynch [Unwired] phone mobile bruce lee

Original post by nafiz

There are two types of people in this world. Those who are prepared to wear Bluetooth headsets and those who are not. The former is typically mocked with incredulity by the latter, but so as to be diplomatic we’ll also identify a grey area in between. This consists of people who have to wear them for business reasons but would really prefer they didn’t, in which case Sennheiser’s new VMX Office is the kind of thing that’ll allow you to hold your head up high (if only for better reception).It’s a single-piece Bluetooth 2.0 compatible headset for a PC, phone or MP3 player that can hold a clear connection up to 35 meters away from the base station (10 meters away from a phone). Ergonomically designed for comfort with a flexible 3D ball joint, it claims to be “the only headset you can wear comfortably all day long”. Other fancy features including dual microphone technology and protection against acoustic shocks, and all of this in something that weighs just 15g. Of course it’s not cheap, £200 to be precise, but surely this is a small price to pay for your dignity. - Paul Lester [Sennheiser] Sennheiser Bluetooth headset

Original post by nafiz

Mobile phone chargers can be sneaky little power guzzlers so, to help us silly consumers, some of the biggest mobile phone makers have created a simple way to show just how much juice our chargers drink. The common energy rating system has been agreed by LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. It’s essentially a star-rating system that lets you choose the most energy efficient charger for your mobiles. Will it make those companies build greener chargers? Not just yet, but the group say it’s the first step in “reducing the environmental footprint of its products”.As they point out: “Many consumers are unaware that chargers consume electricity when disconnected from the phone but left plugged into the wall socket. Around two thirds of the energy used by mobile devices is wasted in this way. The new rating system indicates how much energy each charger uses when left plugged into the wall socket after charging is completed. The ratings covers all chargers currently sold by the five companies, and range from five stars for the most efficient chargers down to zero stars for the ones consuming the most energy.” Obviously they will want you to buy a new 4-5-star rated charger and dump the greedy power guzzler one they already sold you. Or, you could just turn off your charger at the wall once you′ve juiced your mobile.-Martin Lynch phone mobile phone energy

Original post by nafiz

I grew up reading PC Magazine and I looked forward each couple weeks to picking up my copy of PC Magazine at the local grocery store. But today, Ziff Davis has announced that the legendary PC Magazine print publication is shutting down its print publication and focusing exclusively on online content. This is truly a sad day… Hold on while I grab some tissues…

PC Magazine started the whole in-depth comparative reviews of PCs and Microsoft software. They expanded later to including gadgets, Ṃ players, mobile phones, GPS, and other technology. PC Magazine offered insightful tech tips and great columnists like John C. Dvorak. Back in the 80s and 90s the print publication was 400-500 pages, making for hours of tech- reading pleasure. Today, it’s down to 150 pages and soon to be 0 (January 2009).

Well, I guess it’s “greener” that way. But I for one will miss my print copy of PC Magazine.

Tags: John C. Dvorak, PC Magazine

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Original post by nafiz

LG′s latest fashion phone, the Prada II, has arrived in the UK and to sweeten the deal, LG is launching it with a swanky Bluetooth watch. You’ll notice how we didn’t say ‘bundled’ because, darling, that would be just so, well, common. No, the Prada Link Bluetooth watch will sport its own fashionable price tag of around £250. Added to the £475 asking price for the Prada II and you have something that makes the iPhone look like bargain of the month. The slide out QWERTY keyboard on the new phone will no doubt appeal to those who hate typing on touchscreens, which the new phone offers too. It’s a 3G phone with HSDPA up to 7.2Mbps, Wi-Fi, full HTML browser and the camera has been bumped to a more respectable 5MP. There’s also video calling and DivX playback. The Prada Link watch is a smart looking Bluetooth device that can remotely monitor phone calls as well as read full SMS text messages without you having to go to the trouble of taking the phone out of your bag or pocket. How convenient.-Martin Lynch phone mobile phone LG

Original post by nafiz

The new BK-UN↙ module from startup BlueKey Wireless can turn most Bluetooth-enabled phones into home controllers.

Despite the prevalence of Bluetooth solutions on the market, the company believes this product is unique because of the company’s robust on-screen programming interface.

The module and companion software debuted at the Electronic House Expo Fall 2008 in Long Beach, Calif.

The BK-UNV01 receives Bluetooth commands from compatible phones and other devices — up to 300 feet away for Class 1 Bluetooth products — and can trigger virtually any low-voltage device via seven onboard programmable relays.

The unit also has a serial interface for controlling more advanced control systems (one-way). Out of the box, it supports the Powerlinc serial-to-powerline module for controlling Insteon and X10 devices over the home’s existing AC wiring.

Up to 16 mobile devices can be tied into the system.

BlueKey’s Java-based application software loads onto a Bluetooth phone like any other application. It allows users to configure (with delays, if desired) each relay and label each command (up to 82) via an onscreen wizard.

Optional cellular and landline interfaces enable the BK-UNV01 to deliver status reports to the customer’s phone when out of range. Eventually, BluKey will provide Internet connectivity as well.

BlueKey sells the BK-UNV01 module and software for $499 (including a license for one mobile device), but the company is focused mainly on OEM business.

More at CEPro.

Tags: bk-unv01, bluekey wireless, electronc house, insteon, powerlinc, x10

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Original post by nafiz

Since we all love our gadgets and technology so much it’s a good idea to make sure they don’t run out of juice when we need them most. The latest in portable chargers is the PowerStar GO, which comes with a whole range of adaptors covering mobile phones, PDAs, iPods, portable games consoles, digital cameras and satnavs. It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and holds enough power to fully charge a mobile phone five times, an iPod 15 times or a Nintendo DS up to three times. This is pretty impressive considering most rival devices are lucky to cover around half that, and if you only want to keep it for emergencies you can rest safe in the knowledge that it’ll retain its charge for up to a year. The PowerStar Go is available now for £50. Check out the official site below to make sure your particular make and model of gadget is covered. - Paul Lester [PowerStarGo] PowerStar battery charger

Original post by nafiz

Researchers recently completed work on a networking solution that will synchronize the myriad personal electronic devices (aka gadgets) people will use in the not-so-distant future. 

The group, called MAGNET Beyond, was composed of researchers from 35 companies who developed an architecture to harmonize devices such as laptops, telephones, MP3 players, games and a variety of sensors.

And why is this networking project called MAGNET Beyond?

No it’s not a take-off on Bed, Bath and Beyond, but the name is an acronym for “My personal adaptive Global NET and beyond.”

Yikes!

How many researchers does it take to come up with a good acronym?

Definitely not this group! Better luck with the technology.

More at ZDnet.

Tags: bed bath and beyond, magnet beyond, zdnet

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Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Original post by nafiz

This is a call out to all bloggers out there - Rich Tehrani, my boss has extended an open invitation to bloggers interested in blogging for TMCnet.com, a leading communications/telecom site according to Alexa, Quantcast, and others.

Today, TMC launches its Blog Aid program to help people out of work stay in the public eye - in order to improve their hiring prospects in a tough economy. In the last few months, many good marketers, PR people, engineers and others who have been laid off. These potential Blog Aid bloggers have a good deal of quality commentary and information to share which could be very useful to the TMC community of online readers.

TMC is offering these new bloggers - especially those working in the communications and technology industries, a venue to voice their thoughts on the spaces where they have expertise so as to allow them access to the 2-3 million global visitors who come to TMCnet on a monthly basis.

So if you enjoy writing about communications, telecom, VoIP, wireless, unified communications, mobile, etc. and want a wide audience, go check out Rich′s blog for more details.

p.s. The blogging platform is Movable Type 4.21.

Tags: blog, blogging, movable type 4.21, rich tehrani, telecom, unified communications, voip, wireless

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Original post by nafiz

Callpod’s new Drone USB Bluetooth adapter turns your mobile phone’s Bluetooth headset into a headset/mic for your PC or Mac allowing you to receive Skype or other VoIP calls using your high-end Bluetooth headset (Plantronics, Jawbone, etc.). Just connect the Drone into the USB port of your computer, and it will immediately connect with your Bluetooth headset or headphones to provide streaming music and voice over a 100 meter (328ft) range. When a Skype call comes in, Drone switches over to the call automatically. It supports the ʌDP (Stereo) Bluetooth profile.

Of course, many PCs and laptops come with Bluetooth built-in, making this device unnecessary. It’s basically a $50 USB Bluetooth adapter/Bluetooth dongle, which is nothing new. Still, if you need to add Bluetooth functionality to your PC or Mac, this might be the way to go. Though, you can pick up a Bluetooth USB dongle for $20. However, they claim their software automatically switches the audio to the Bluetooth headset on an incoming Skype call. I don’t believe most Bluetooth dongles support that functionality. Not sure it’s worth the extra $30 for the auto-Skype answer, but you make the call.

Features:

• 100-meter (Class-1) range
• VoIP and music streaming to any Bluetooth headset or stereo headphones
• Automatically pairs with your headset or headphones
• Seamlessly switch between music and VoIP calls
• No software installation - Plug and Play
• Optional software install for advanced functions such as data transfer
• Upgradeable firmware

Read

Tags: A2DP, Bluetooth, Callpod, dongle, Drone, headset, skype, USB, voip

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Original post by nafiz

Mojo Mobility Inc, a Silicon Valley-based venture firm, has developed a technology to simultaneously charge multiple mobile devices simply using a flat surface that doesn′t even to touch the charging circuitry of  mobile phones, iPods, iPhones, and other gadgetry.

While NFP (Near Field Power) is not a new concept, the non-contact charging system leverages an electromagnetic induction method. The system is composed of two coils, one for transmitting and the other for receiving electric power.

Mojo Mobility has developed a prototype sheet-type charger equipped with multiple transmitting coils. On this sheet to the right, up to four devices charged at the same time with the ability to produce 2.5W to 4W of power ..

Read

Tags: charge, electric power, electricity, gadgets, mobile phone, Mojo Mobility, Near Field Power, NFP, wireless

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Original post by nafiz

American Airlines has found yet another use for the mobile phone following trials of electronic boarding cards at O′Hare airport. In a scheme designed to cut down on paper waste and passengers losing cards or not being able to find one and holding up the plane, those with an active email address and an internet-enabled phone can be effectively ‘texted’ the details, which include a 2D barcode. The airport is testing the new service with passengers departing LA International and John Wayne Orange County airport on Monday and will offer the option to anyone checking in for flights with AA.com. There’s also an added degree of security involved since mobile passes are scanned twice - at the gate and security checkpoint - and in addition all information is encrypted to help prevent forgery. However, at this stage customers can only list one person in a reservation, making it unsuitable for families, and it can only be used for non-stop flights in the US. If successful we could start to see more of this sort of thing appearing, though we’re not sure how it’ll cope with the inevitable pitfalls of technology ie: my phone died/has no reception/got eaten by the dog. - Paul Lester [ChicagoTribune] mobile phone barcode flight

Original post by nafiz

If you′re the type of person who gets withdrawal symptoms when you′re not on Facebook every 30 minutes, then you′re going to love the latest phone from 3. Meet the INQ1, billed as the “world’s most advanced social networking phone” and guaranteed to ensure that you never get a good night’s sleep ever again. The INQ1 offers users 1-click Facebook access and live updates pushed direct to the display, as well as what it calls the first ever real-time interactive ‘live contact book’. This will show your friends’ online status and Facebook profile pictures displayed against their contact details. Also integrated into the phone are Skype, Windows Live Messenger and Last.fm, allowing RSS feeds, free Skype-to-Skype calling and free instant messaging. Frank Meehan, CEO, INQ, explained: ‘The INQ¹ is the first device from INQ with a new take on mobile user experience, it’s about taking the things people love most about the Internet and building them into the very heart of the phone. Mobile is still mostly about voice and text for the vast majority of users, but those same people use the Internet to communicate every day with Skype, Instant Messaging, Facebook and email. The INQ¹ allows people for the first time to integrate their Internet networks into their mobile so now their emails, instant messages and Skype calls are as simple to use as voice and text.” The INQ1, complete with 3.2MP camera, comes ‘free’ on a £15-per month contract tariff which gives unlimited free Facebook, Skype, Windows Live Messenger and Web access, plus 75 minutes of calls to other networks, unlimited texts, unlimited email and unlimited free 3-to-3 calls [check out 3’s ‘fair use policy’ as it will apply]. For £20 per month, you get the above but with 200 minutes of calls to other networks. A PAYG option will set you back £79.99 with Internet packages starting at £5 per month.-Martin Lynch phone facebook

Original post by nafiz