Barnes & Noble Takes On Amazon With Nook-eReader

Category: Gadgets
Posted: October 21, 2009 03:13AM
Author: d3bruts1d

As expected Barnes and Noble yesterday announced the Nook eReader, a device that some are calling the Kindle-killer and for good reason, B&N has made it clear they are targeting the Kindle. In addition to an E Ink display for reading content, which it calls the most advanced, the Nook also includes a 3.5" color touch screen than can be used for navigation and swiping through your library. The device will allow you access to over a million titles, including books, magazines, and newspapers via AT&T's 3G network, or the built in 802.11 b/g wireless. Free WiFi will also be provided at all B&N stores. The 2GB storage is good for approximately 1,500 eBooks and can be extended to 16GB via a microSD card.

One feature that caught my eye is the Nook will allow you to lend eBooks to friends for free. There isn't any elaboration on this feature, so some restrictions may apply when the device is actually released.

You can pre-order the Nook for $259 from B&N. Sorry, it's US only for now.

New iPhone 3GS Units Jailbreak Resistant

Category: Music / Video Players, Gadgets
Posted: October 14, 2009 09:54AM
Author: d3bruts1d

In a move to thwart hackers, Apple is shipping new iPhone 3GS units with a new Boot ROM that prevents the popular 24kpwn exploit from jailbreaking the iPhone. While the attempt to block jailbreaking is not a surprise move on Apple's part, it is amazing that it took this long for something to happen. MuscleNerd from the Dev-Team has confirmed that the current Boot ROM would make it impossible to jailbreak for the time being, and suggest anyone that wants to JB locate an older or refurbished iPhone 3GS.

Barnes & Noble's eReader Is A Kindle-iPhone Love Child

Category: Gadgets
Posted: October 14, 2009 04:44AM
Author: d3bruts1d

While the eReader market continues to grow, I have to admit I still don't see the appeal in the gadgets. For what they cost, the functions are highly limited especially when you consider other devices that can offer the same functionality and more at the same price. But that's all a discussion for the forums.

Next Tuesday Barnes & Noble is set to hold a major event, where the company is set to debut their own eReader. According to Gizmodo the B&N eReader will feature a black and white e-ink display, similar to that of the Amazon Kindle. Underneath the reader will be a color multi-touch display used for navigation, store purchases, and other controls. It shouldn't be any surprise that B&N's eReader will tie into B&N's store for ebooks, however the nice touch is that for books that B&N publishes, they will be available cheaper on the eReader than if you purchased the paper copy. According to Giz, the B&N device will also have some sort of tie in with Google Books.

More information should be available next week, until then check out Giz for some shots of the product. Expect the price to be comparable to the Kindle DX.

Radio On The iPhone? There Might Be An App For That

Category: Music / Video Players, Gadgets
Posted: October 14, 2009 02:45AM
Author: d3bruts1d

A new rumor sent to 9to5Mac suggest that Apple is working to develop a radio app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The app would offer similar functionality to the radio app included in the 5th generation iPod Nano, and will run in the background similar to or as part of the iPod app. Apple is looking for a way to tie in the radio app with the Mobile iTunes Store, so users can easily see more details about the song/band and even purchase the music.

Personally, I'd like to see Apple either license the technology from Shazam or purchase the company and incorporate the technology. Shazam is currently one of my most used iPhone apps. For those of you that don't know or haven't used Shazam, the app allows you to sample a song that is playing and then get details including title, artist, and album. Shazam can then send you to YouTube for a music video or the iTunes store for purchase. I've had over a 95% success ratio with the app using it to tag music playing at home, in my car, and even some of that odd, easy listening, Indy stuff they play at Starbucks.

The radio-digital media tie-in isn't anything new. Years ago XM Radio partnered up with Napster (the legit version, and subsidiary of BestBuy) to allow you to flag music you liked, and then download it later. Of course, that required a subscription to XM Satellite Radio as well as Napster. The Apple app of course wouldn't be charging for the FM radio access, and iTunes would only charge for purchases.

How would the Apple iPhone app allow FM reception? Easy the iPhone 3GS and the latest iPod Touch include a Broadcom BCM4329 wireless chip which supports a number of nice features, including FM reception. Currently the FM receiver is only being utilized for communication with Nike+ products.

If Apple does integrate an FM radio app into the iPod Touch, that could be bad news for Microsoft's Zune HD which launched last month touting "HD Radio" as a key feature. Contrary to popular belief HD Radio does not mean "high definition" as you see it used in regards to TVs and movies. It is simply a brand name from iBiquity, and describes a technology used to broadcast AM or FM in a digital format.

Kindle International Actually Less International Than It Leads You to Believe

Category: Internet, Gadgets
Posted: October 14, 2009 01:45AM
Author: d3bruts1d

The recently announced Kindle International may not be as great of a device as it originally sounded. Wired's Gadget Lab uncovered a bit of detail that Amazon tucked away in the fine print. Outside of the US, the Kindle's experimental web browser used for blogs and internet access will be unavailable. That leaves the device only useful for downloading books from Amazon's Kindle Store.

Included in the high cost of the Kindle International is the connection to AT&T's wireless network. This is done so that the users will never see a monthly bill. It's likely that AT&T is passing along a high roaming cost to Amazon for the international wireless access, and Amazon's probably doing what they can to keep costs down. Here's a suggestion for Amazon, sell a Kindle with no access and let the user pick up the monthly bill.

Still like the idea of the Kindle International? The article goes on to state that the device is being shipped from the US, which of course will add additional shipping costs to anyone overseas. But the big kicker is the Kindle International only includes a US power adapter. Want to charge the International device while outside of the US? That'll cost you extra for an adapter. Not a big deal for US travelers who already have the adapters, but a kicker for those that live outside the US and don't already have one. Wired estimates that the $280 Kindle International could cost as much as $350 by the time it's all said and done.

Sounds like it should have been named Kindle Limited.

Amazon Takes Kindle Internation, Drops Price

Category: Mobile, Gadgets
Posted: October 7, 2009 01:56AM
Author: d3bruts1d

Today Amazon dropped the price of the 6-inch Kindle eReader, while announcing a new international version. The Kindle International will allow you to download get books and other content wirelessly in over 100 countries, and cost $279. Unlike the original Kindle and Kindle DX which use Sprint, the Kindle International is tied to AT&T's 3G wireless network. The Kindle U.S. Wireless, as it is now called, dropped from $299 to $259 and aside from the price cut and name change saw no other modifications. The Kindle International is available for pre-ordering and ships in a couple of weeks. The Kindle DX remains unchanged at $489.

There Is An App For That, And That, And That, And That...

Category: Mobile, Gaming, Music / Video Players, Software, Gadgets
Posted: September 29, 2009 05:43PM
Author: d3bruts1d

If you've seen any of Apple's commercials for the iPhone or iPod Touch, you've probably heard Apple's key phrases "there is an app for that" and "there is an app for just about anything". Now that Apple's App Store has passed two billion app downloads, they are out to prove that there really is an app for anything with the new "Apps for Everything" section on their website.

The new website is broken down into "Apps for..." categories, such as Cooks, Music, Fun and Games, managing money and more. Each section is then broken down into more specific areas, and a few apps are listed. Also available are the top 10 free and paid apps for the category.

While Apple says there is an app for just about everything, we know that there are certain things that there are not apps available for. Porn, downloading or managing torrents, Google Voice, Adobe Flash, wallpapers on the home screen or quickly switching system setting.

iPod Touch: More than Meets the Eye?

Category: Gadgets
Posted: September 14, 2009 01:43AM
Author: Daryn Govender

The recently released 5th generation iPod Nano (from Apple's last round of product updates) was bestowed the privilege of a camera by the boffins at Apple, although its relative, the iPod Touch, wasn't so lucky. Jobs explained this shortfall with the reason that consumers see the iPod a a "game machine" so he (and Apple) had decided not to include one. It seems that Apple was planning to include a camera after all based on information from the website iFixit. iFixit dissected a new 3rd generation iPod Touch and discovered a cavity measuring 6mm x 6mm x 3mm at the top of the device which would be suitable for the camera which is included in the 5th generation nano. It was earlier revealed last week that Apple had scrapped the iTouch camera after having technical difficulties with the cameras it purchased. Maybe the bad cameras could have stopped Apple in its tracks to release an iTouch with a camera this month, who knows? iFixit also found out that the iTouch includes hardware support for wireless-n connectivity in the Broadcom wireless chip, although the software doesn't enable it. These are both interesting finds, the iPhone looks to pack a "hidden agenda" - if only Apple would explain to us, the consumers what these revelations mean!

Apple's 9-9-09 Releases

Category: Gadgets
Posted: September 9, 2009 12:44PM
Author: Rpbert Bergem

In case you haven't noticed, today is September 9th, 2009...9-9-09, the last time we'll see the same three single digits for the month, day, and year for almost a century. Apple surely noticed this and released quite a few new products today. Apple even switched from its standard Tuesday release day to release on 9-9-09. Even many devices that are current products saw price cuts.

The iPod Touch saw a new 64GB model released and price cuts on current models. The new 64GB model retails for $399, the 32GB is now $299, and the 8GB model will go for $199. Surprisingly, Apple did not include a camera on the new line, but they do use the new iPhone 3Gs CPU.

The iPod Classic had its capacity increased to 160GB, or enough space for 40,000 songs. The price remains the same at $249.

The iPod Nano saw a big improvement with the addition of a video camera and larger screen for it 5th generation. The 8GB model will retail for $149, while the 16GB model will sell for $179.

The iPod Shuffle also received an update with fresh colors and a lower price. There are 5 colors available, and a Special Edition only available from the Apple Store. The Special Edition is 4GB with a polished stainless steel housing for $99. The standard edition is available in 2GB or 4GB for $59 and $79 respectively.

iTunes 9 was also released today with many improvements. The iTunes Store was redesigned, iTunes LP features bonus material in some albums, Genius Mixes works similar to a radio, and Apps are now easier to manage. However, for those with Palm Pre devices, Apple has managed to break syncing with these devices. iTunes 9 is available for download today on Apple's website.

The iPhone/iPod Touch OS saw an update to version 3.1 toady. There is now a ringtone store that will offer ringtones for $1.29 each. The iPhone OS 3.1 is availble free to iPhone users; however, iPod Touch users must pay $4.95 for the update.

Sorry for the lack of details on any one specific product, but there were too many products to contend with today. All of the links are provided to detail all of the new products and updates.

Want an 52" Samsung HDTV? Order At BestBuy Quickly!

Category: Gadgets
Posted: August 12, 2009 02:12AM
Author: d3bruts1d

BestBuy is currently offering a 52" Samsung 1080p HDTV for $9.99. It's a killer deal as the TV usually retails for around $1850. I took advantage of this incredible savings and with tax + shipping, the order came in at $87.39. Clearly a glitch in BestBuy's inventory system, but let's hope the company known for their shoddy customer service and high prices will actually honor this deal.

I'll keep you updated if BestBuy cancels the order, otherwise mine should be delivered on the 21st. Though previsions in BestBuy's terms of service do allow the company to cancel any order and refund the money. Let us know if you order one. Thanks to Gizmodo for the info on this deal!

Redsn0w jailbreak already works for iPhone OS update 3.0.1

Category: Gadgets
Posted: August 3, 2009 06:18AM
Author: kingdingeling

When the OS 3.0 update for the iPhone came out, users had to wait a while before the iPhone Dev Team was able to crack the new software. On Friday, the 3.0.1 update was launched to fix the opportunity for hackers to gain control of the iPhone via SMS, which surprisingly does not require an updated to the redsn0w software for jailbreaking. Upon jailbreaking, simply select the 3.0 IPSW and off you go, couldn't be easier! Now if this was the case for all future Apple updates, the iPhone community would be full of happy campers!

iPhone can be hacked via SMS

Category: Gadgets
Posted: July 30, 2009 03:33AM
Author: kingdingeling

When Apple launched the original iPhone, the community was not very large. The 3G and now the 3GS have changed that situation, as more and more phones are sold, especially since the 3G internet is much more useable than the rather slow GPRS or EDGE of the 2G. However, the community does not only inhabit normal users, but also some hackers. A pair of researchers at the Black Hat Security Conference demonstrated how the iPhone can be hacked via SMS, caused by a serious memory corruption bug in the way that SMS are handled. Surprisingly, Apple hasn't done anything against this bug although the company was notified about it six weeks ago.

Not only Apple iPhones, but also Google Android based phones and parts of the Windows Mobile interface code for HTC phones have been exploited. These phones, however, were only rendered useless by the hack, whereas the hacker could take full control of the iPhone. The two lads that found this bug, Collin Mulliner and Charlie Miller, had also found a hole in the mobile version of Apple's browser Safari back in 2007 when it was first launched.

Synaptics readies successor to modern smartphone touchscreens

Category: Gadgets
Posted: July 22, 2009 06:57AM
Author: kingdingeling

Many modern smartphones are based on touchscreens, a design that was made popular by the iPhone. However, most touchscreen phones lack the multi-touch feature that makes the iPhone unique, something that has been changing recently. Synaptics, a company that produce touchscreens, will soon be rolling out the ClearPad 3000, a successor to it's 2000 model (for example found in the T-Mobile G1), which will feature multi-touch technology for up to 10 simultaneous touches. The new processor and captive technology in the 3000 allow the device to even provide data on the size and on the shape of the touching finger. Now of course, most of these modern gadgets have a terrible battery life, but Synaptics claim that the ClearPad 3000 will be available in sizes of up to 8 inches while maintaining decent battery life. As always, the technology will depend on the software to make use of it, but Synaptics has continuing development with phones manufacturer and others, so that we might even be seeing devices with this screen on sale as soon as November!

USB toys for the kids... or maybe the parents?

Category: Gadgets
Posted: July 20, 2009 06:38AM
Author: kingdingeling

Companies always look to find that little niche that has not yet been occupied to make some extra revenue, but some may be taking it a step too far into the useless direction. Seriously, have you never wondered why you didn't have a Crunching Elmo in one of your USB ports? Or a USB hub shaped like a turtle that includes an ashtray? If those are too boring for you, how about a USB Jellyfish aquarium or a Panda USB hub? Seriously, where did your imagination go? The turtle even comes in different colours, so you can pick whatever you fancy. I personally am shocked that smokers can live without a turtle ashtray!

Brand New iPhone 3G S Opened Up

Category: Gadgets
Posted: June 19, 2009 05:09AM
Author: Rpbert Bergem

Although the iPhone 3G S hasn't even been out for 24 hours yet, it has already been disassembled and inspected, or should I say violated? Orange Botique in Paris, France released the iPhone 3G S at midnight local time. Converting to Eastern Standard Time means that the iPhone 3G S was released at 6PM EST on June 18th, or 13 hours before any customer in the United States could purchase one. RapidRepair purchased a 16GB black iPhone 3G S at midnight in Paris and then promptly proceeded to disassemble it, not quite what one would expect a new iPhone 3G S owner to do. RapidRepair has posted a full guide, with pictures, of the steps taken to disassemble the iPhone. The phone was taken apart all the way down to its individual components. RapidRepair also posted a comparison chart that compare the iPhone 2G, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3G S, and Palm Pre.

Apple releases iPhone 3.0 OS; AT&T loosens upgrade restrictions

Category: Operating Systems, Mobile, Gadgets
Posted: June 17, 2009 10:45AM
Author: d3bruts1d

Apple has officially released the much anticipated iPhone 3.0 OS update. To update, just connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC running iTunes 8.2+ and hit the check for updates button. The 3.0 update brings a ton of new features to the iPhone; Copy and Paste, MMS, landscape keyboard in Mail and other apps, Spotlight search, tethering, and enhancements to many other apps. iPhone users in the U.S. will have to wait a bit longer for MMS and tethering support due to limitations of AT&T’s network.

Additionally, early adopters of the iPhone 3G get a bit of good news from AT&T today. Those customers that will be eligible for upgrades in July, August, or September will be allowed to upgrade to the iPhone 3G S at the subsidized prices of $199 (16G) and $299 (32G) starting Thursday, June 18. Customers that have already preordered the iPhone 3G S will see the price adjusted at pickup or will be issued a credit.

The Apple iPhone 3G S will be available on Friday, June 19.

New 'iPhone 3G S' Unveiled at WWDC

Category: Gadgets, Trade Shows/Conventions
Posted: June 9, 2009 01:12AM
Author: Daryn Govender

Apple has announced the new iPhone at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco. The 'iPhone 3G S' (the "S" stands for Speed) comes with many improvements and additions to the original iPhone. These include a claimed 2x-3.6x increase in speed when compared to its predecessor, 'updated' 3D graphics, a 3 mega-pixel camera capable of 30fps VGA video recording with built-in editing, voice control compatibility, 7.2Mbps HSDPA, 3G Internet tethering via Bluetooth or USB, and comes bundled with the iPhone OS 3.0. The iPhone OS 3.0 brings an array of improvements for users including MMS capability, copy and paste support, spotlight search, landscape email, notes, keyboard and messaging, to name a few. The battery life has also improved with a quoted up to 5 hours talk-time on 3G and up to 9 hours internet use on Wi-Fi. The iPhone 3G S will retail at US$199 (16GB) and US$299 (32GB) on a two-year AT&T rate plan and will come in black and white models. The new gadget will be available in less than a fortnight in the USA and in over 80 countries by August.

More images of the iPhone 3G S can be viewed here.

Come in Dick Tracy, LG Wristwatch Phone Next Month!

Category: Gadgets
Posted: June 5, 2009 07:05AM
Author: redtigerdragon

LG debuted a novel idea at CES in January, and is set to release it for sale next month. The wristwatch phone is exactly what it sounds like, a phone the size of a watch on your wrist. For those who do not want to look like Dick Tracy, the phone has a bluetooth headset and voice recognition. It also features Text to Speech, so your text messages can be read to you and you don't have to strain your eyes on the small screen. It won't have this feature for SMS messages, so you may still need to strain. The phone will be available in Europe next month, with global domin...distribution soon to follow. Pricing has yet to be released.

Belkin's TuneCast Auto Live FM Transmitter

Category: Gadgets
Posted: June 4, 2009 10:55AM
Author: Rpbert Bergem

Belkin has announced it's first device that is "specifically compatible" with the iPhone OS 3.0. The device is yet another FM transmitter that transmits music from an iPod to a car stereo via FM. You may be wondering why this FM transmitter is any different from the plethora of ones already out there. Well, the new TuneCast Auto Live FM Transmitter works with the iPhone OS 3.0 to find you the best FM station automatically. Current FM transmitters require the user to flip through stations trying to find the clearest one to use. Now, the TuneCast Auto Live uses GPS data drawn from the iPhone to select the clearest station based on "geographical" data and user recommendations. The device is controlled using the ClearScan Live application for the iPhone. Don't worry though, it will also work with the iTouch, iPod Nano, and iPod Classic so you can still use a friend's iPod. The device should hit stores early this fall for approximately $80.

Show WX Pico Projector: Projector on the Go

Category: Gadgets
Posted: May 28, 2009 05:31AM
Author: redtigerdragon

Microvision, Inc.,  is touting a new product that may be something large in quite a small form. The Show WX Pico Projector is about the size of a personal media player at .55 x 2.36 x 4.65 inches and weighs 4.3oz, but it's what it can do that is amazing. With a laser light source, this device can project images on any surface (even a curved one!) that are always in focus without user adjustments. The display is always in widescreen movie format (16:9), and the size varies based on the distance of this mini-projector and a resolution of 848 x 480. It has a contrast ration of 5000:1 and the image size can vary from 6 inches to 100 inches. The device is set to be plug and play capable, so you won't have to worry about driver installations. And the projector is battery powered, allowing you to watch an entire movie from a single charge, which, considering this battery powers a laser, is pretty good.

Microsoft Confirms Zune HD

Category: Gadgets
Posted: May 27, 2009 07:17AM
Author: Crow47

After earlier rumors predicting the release of a new Zune, yesterday Microsoft announced the new Zune HD. The player has a bevy of features, some which can be found in the competing iPod Touch, and others that are unique to the player itself. Most notably, the player features multi-touch, WiFi, a 3.3" 16:9 aspect ration OLED touch screen with a resolution of 480x272, HD video out capabilities that can display up to 720p, and HD radio. Yes, you read that right, this is the first PMP to support HD radio. On the software side, the Zune HD has a web browser based upon Internet Explorer, and will be able to use the WiFi to surf the web, browse the Zune store, and use the new and upcoming integration with Xbox Live. The latter feature is still in development, so details are scarce. So far this player is shaping up to be a real winner, one that is sure to produce some sweat under the collars of Cupertino's executives. Naturally, the Zune HD now has its own official site (well, a page for now), which I suspect will bulk out as more details are released.

Transcend + Trend Micro = Antivirus USB Flash Drive

Category: Gadgets
Posted: May 19, 2009 11:50AM
Author: redtigerdragon

It's actually a really good idea when you think about it: have a USB flash drive that comes pre-installed with anti-virus software. The JetFlash V15 comes pre-loaded with Trend Micro USB Security, an anti-virus program that it designed to help stem the flow of Autorun malware on these portable drives. The software is easy to use, with a one-step activation process and simple user interface, and protects the drive every time it is plugged in. The USB drive will automatically update itself every time it is plugged into a computer with internet access as well. Unfortunately, the preloaded version of the anti-malware software is only a 90-day version.

Microsoft Trying to Patent Magic Wand

Category: Gadgets
Posted: May 18, 2009 10:50AM
Author: redtigerdragon

No, seriously. Microsoft is filing for a patent on a "MAGIC WAND." The abstract is long and wordy, but it basically is a device that looks like a wand and interacts with video and holographic images, as well as possibly help control other electronic devices. The wand would use various biometrics to interact with the user, including one that would recognize the user and display a customizable avatar. Microsoft also has a patent application on the biometric side of things. The wand would also be able to communicate with other wands via "a manner similar to a cellular phone or walkie-talkie." TechFlash tried to get some information on the patent, but received a no comment.

SlingPlayer Mobile 3G Banned from iPhones by AT&T

Category: Gadgets
Posted: May 13, 2009 06:39PM
Author: Rpbert Bergem

Sling Media offers a convenient device known as the SlingBox which allows users to stream cable TV or recorded content from an Internet-connected home PC to any Internet-connected device. Recently Sling Media released SlingPlayer Mobile for the iPhone to allow iPhone owners to access their cable TV and recorded programs through the iPhone. AT&T has now banned the 3G portion of SlingPlayer Mobile from use by the iPhone. AT&T claims that it is a violation of its Terms of Service to "redirect a TV signal to a personal computer." In the official statement, AT&T stated, "We consider smartphones like the iPhone to be personal computers in that they have the same hardware and software attributes as PCs." While this can be debated, AT&T still does not allow the 3G portion of SlingPlayer Mobile to function on the iPhone. However, AT&T provides free WiFi hotspots where iPhone users are able to use SlingPlayer Mobile. Oddly, AT&T allows the 3G portion of SlingPlayer Mobile to function on other smartphone operating systems such as Blackberry and Windows Mobile. If you own an iPhone, SlingPlayer Mobile will only work over WiFi networks; however, if you own another smartphone operating system, you will still be able to use the 3G network to sling cable programming.

Apple Deliver iPhone 3G to Your Door

Category: Gadgets
Posted: May 13, 2009 06:00PM
Author: Rpbert Bergem

Anyone who wishes to purchase an iPhone 3G may now have it shipped directly from Apple to their front door. Previously, customers who want to purchase an iPhone online could only partially complete the transaction. Customers could order the iPhone and reserve it at a local Apple Store, but had to go to the Apple Store in person to pick up the phone. Apple's new policy allows customers to enter billing information, review eligibility and pricing, and select an AT&T service plan. Once those steps are complete, the customer may reserve the iPhone at a local Apple Store or have it delivered. However, the footnotes imply that the iPhone's delivered to customer's front doors must still be activated at an Apple Store. That seems to defeat the entire purpose of having the iPhone delivered to your door.

You Must Have an iPhone to Register for this Course

Category: Gadgets
Posted: May 12, 2009 11:53PM
Author: David Solymosi

At the Univesity of Missouri, journalism students in specific classes have been told that they need an iPhone or an iPod to complete their courses. They would be required so that students can listen to audio recordings of the lectures, delivered in podcast form. While other portable music players would probably do the trick just fine, the university seems to have close ties with Apple. The school is realistic in the sense that they will not be enforcing this requirement, but students requiring financial assistance can fill out a few forms to recieve bursaries for their new 'study tool'. Personally, I don't see why the university is complicating things with this statement, but then again, I'm not the kind of guy that would listen to a recorded lecture I've already attended.

New iPhone to Have Compass?

Category: Gadgets
Posted: May 7, 2009 05:55PM
Author: David Solymosi

A recent picture revealed that the next, as-of-yet unconfirmed iPhone revision will probably have a built-in magnetometer. This is the second piece of evidence for this, as previously a different screenshot from the iPhone hinted at an included video recorder, voice dialing system, and compass. No official word on any of this yet, but we should hear from Apple at their Worldwide Developers Conference which is happening a month from now. What really interests me, though (as well as the guys at engadget) is the new option for 'Kitchen Sink' in the leaked screenshot.

Amazon Announces 9.7-inch Kindle DX

Category: Gadgets
Posted: May 6, 2009 03:52PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Personally, when I go to read a book or newspaper, it is generally in the traditional paper-back or broadsheet format (am I behind the times? Maybe). However, if you prefer your reading material in digital format, along with all the benefits that brings, then you may be interested in Amazon's latest iteration of its Kindle device. It wasn't all that long ago that it unveiled the Kindle 2 and the latest Kindle DX takes the same basic format, but expands the screen to a more generous 9.7 inches with an auto-rotate feature. It also packs in a PDF reader, which should be a popular addition considering the wide spread nature of the file-format. Storage increases in capacity to 3.3GB, which Amazon claims is enough for up 3,500 books, periodicals and documents. The $489 price point may however be a sticking point for some when the device ships this summer. Engadget has coverage from the Kindle event, as well as a hands-on with a demo Kindle DX.

OnStar to Provide Hands-Free Tweeting

Category: Gadgets
Posted: March 28, 2009 10:08AM
Author: ClayMeow

Sign of Armageddon or sign of the times? I'll leave that for you to decide, as I've not yet gotten sucked into the whole Twitter craze. But for those that are addicted to tweeting, if you have OnStar in your automobile, you may soon be able to tweet while driving, using just your voice. Andru Edwards of Gear Live, an OnStar user, often gets surveys and phone calls about the service to get his feedback. Yesterday, Edwards received a survey unlike any one before it; one that unveiled a possible upcoming service addition. "Using OnStar's Voice-Activated Hands-Free Calling system, and having your voice converted into text, you can provide updates which would appear in the "What are you doing?" section of your Twitter homepage." In addition, you'll have the ability to listen to tweets sent to you by someone else. To those Twitter addicts out there (and there sure are a lot of them), they're probably salivating at this news. No more having to fumble with your iPhone or Blackberry, making the road a slightly safer place for us all.

Logitech Confirms Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3

Category: Gadgets
Posted: March 21, 2009 08:32PM
Author: Brentt Moore

A little bit after the FCC had sitings of the Harmony adapter for the Sony console, Logitech is now confirming that the device is one that will be on the shelves at some point in the future. As of right now, many details are not known such as a set release date or even how much the adapter will cost. Logitech however has said that all Harmony remotes will be able to work with the new product, and will not take up any USB ports on the PlayStation 3 is it used with. In other words, the adapter is a converter that will change Infrared rays into Bluetooth technology. The company is also stating that users will even be able to power on and off the gaming system with a Harmony remote, enabling the full featured movie experience that consumers are longing for.