April 2007 Archives

Today, Mexens Technology announced the availability of Navizon on Blackberry devices. Navizon is the company's flagship software, which allows Blackberry owners to see where they are on a map and easily find their way to their next destination, see the location of friends or coworkers on their Blackberry, and search for businesses around where they are.

Navizon is not carrier-dependent, and can be used on any Blackberry device, regardless of carrier. It works on any wireless network in any country. The coolest thing about Navizon is that it doesn't require a GPS device (which can be pricey). Navizon's Virtual GPS runs off wireless signals triangulation, which is able to spot your location on a map. This technology thus brings a multitude of location-based services available on your phone.

Today Alltel announced that they will now offer a new "Day Pass" service for mobile phone web browsing. For just $1.50, Alltel customers will now able to purchase a 24-hour pass to the company's Axcess wireless web service.

Alltel Corp. announced it will offer a new “Day Pass” service for wireless Web browsing. For $1.50, Alltel customers will be able to buy a 24-hour pass to Alltel’s Axcess wireless Web service.

Alltel's Axcess wireless web service currently works through technology from their partner, Motricity. As a part of the announcement, Alltel also revealed that customers can browse for ringtones, ringbacks, and wallpapers without eating up their minute (it's about time!!). Alltel is attempting to increase sales of its data plans in light of its recent sagging voice sales.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has struck out yet again, in their never ending rivalry with Apple, this time stating that the iPhone has absolutely no hope of gaining a true foothold in the cellphone marketplace. From Ballmer's perspective, the future of the mobile handset business will primarily depend on software influence rather than hardware. Ballmer also believes that because Apple has insisted on utilizing their own proprietary code on such a premium device could prevent it from capturing little more than a small percent of the world's cellphone userbase. Is it just sour grapes, or has the Microsoft CEO got a point?

According to Ballmer's logic, it makes more sense to get your software in a larger market share of cell phones than it does to get your hardware out there in the hands of a few.

"Would I trade 96% of the market for 4% of the market? I want to have products that appeal to everybody," he said. "We'll get a chance to go through this [Apple versus Microsoft debate] again in phones and music players. There's no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance. It's a $500 subsidized item. They may make a lot of money. But if you actually take a look at the 1.3 billion phones that get sold, I'd prefer to have our software in 60% or 70% or 80% of them, than I would to have 2% or 3%, which is what Apple might get."

Steve Ballmer also suggested that Apple could be creating too narrow of a focus by emphasizing the media capabilities of the iPhone, instead of having a general operating system like Windows Mobile.

So what does all this mean? Microsoft thinks that they've got a better idea of what the world wants (and needs), and (surprise) they think they're better than Apple. Of course it seems that they're not willing to show that they can create a better device, dismissing the possibility of a Zune phone once again.

Microsoft currently has their software on a small percentage of mobile phones, but the market remains dominated by phones running off variants of the open source Symbian. As far as how they are faring in the media player market, Microsoft is stuck at just 9% of market share.

Academics at the University of Portsmouth have developed a new mobile phone game that is designed to help international students cope with culture shock and university life in Britian. It includes such moments as going to the pub and public displays of affection. The game is called "C-Shock", and was developed by Nipan Maniar, who himself experienced the culture shock of arriving in the UK from India as a student five years ago.

Nipan says that the game will act as a "mobile mummy" or "e-mother" for new international students.

"I thought it would be great to have a learning vehicle or device to help people overcome the culture shock because if you have not experienced such things before, it's hard to know how to react or behave appropriately," said Nipon.

Along with his research assistant, Dr. Emily Bennet, Nipan developed the prototype of the game after consulting with the University's International office and the British Council. The main character in the game is an international student who has just arrived in the United Kingdom for the very first time. The objective of the game is to reduce the characters culture shock rating from the default 100 to zero by performing a series of tasks that introduce culture shock-inducing incidents and images.

C-Shock is in its final stages of development, and is expected to be available for download from the University of Portsmouth website later in the year.

Apple and Sling Media announced today the availability of the SlingPlayer for Mac. Previously only available to Windows users, SlingPlayer now lets Mac users get into the fun of taking their media anywhere they carry their notebook or mobile phone. SlingPlayer for Mac allows you to access from anywhere whatever is on your TV or stored on a DVR. All you need to get started with SlingPlayer on your Mac is a WiFi, Ethernet or 3G connection to the internet.

SlingPlayer for Mac also comes with a few other goodies. It not only works with iTunes, but also the Apple Remote, Apple TV, and iPods in a universal dock or an iPod HiFi. It even works with Apple's Front Row. How's that for cool?

A brand new laptop from the Sharp group, Mebius PC-WT70T is adorned with a 1.6 GHz CPU processor. A notebook par excellence, this latest model has a Random Access Memory of 1 GB, that can be scaled up to 2 GB. The operating system of Windows Vista Home Premium and Microsoft Office 2007 will be preinstalled with this product that has a SATA microprocessor of a capacity of 100 GB. The Mebius PC-WT70T is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and an integrated DVI. Apart from a high performance CPU, this laptop gives you a more suave and professional outlook. The crystal screen is about 15.4 inches wide and gives an extraordinary image quality. Grab the all-new Mebius PC-WT70T and get set to show it off to your competitors and clients. They?l sure envy this magnificent little computer.

Recently Trust introduced its latest model Trust Wireless Laser MediaPlayer Deskset DS-4700R that works by using the latest energy saving energy. Trust Wireless Laser MediaPlayer Deskset DS-4700R comprises of an advanced wireless multi-media keyboard and an 8-button wireless laser mouse with a micro USB receiver. The slim keyboard has 19 multimedia buttons, Vista function keys and a volume control. While, the laser mouse features Windows Media Player control buttons, tilt scroll wheel and zoom function. Due to the latest power saving technology, Trust Wireless Laser MediaPlayer Deskset DS-4700R comes with an extra long battery life. Moreover, there is a special button on Trust Wireless Laser MediaPlayer Deskset DS-4700R to switch sensitivity to 800 and 1600 dpi.

The Kenwood HDV-990 Car Navigation system looks pretty great as not only does it provide you an one stop solution to your entertainment needs but also is a bonafied GPS Device.

The Kenwood HDV-990 supports CD?R/RW and DVD?R/RW discs and one can also store MP3, WMA, AAC, VR files on its 40GB HDD. It comes loaded with the maps of Japan and one also comes across an USB interface. This one is iPod friendly too and sports the Made For iPod Tag proudly. For now the system won't leave the shores of Japan.

Trust launched its new line of wireless desk sets and Trust Wireless Optical MediaPlayer Deskset DS-3700R is one of them. With features like a special button to switch sensitivity to 800 and 1600 dpi, Trust Wireless Optical MediaPlayer Deskset DS-3700R is an innovation in the next generation energy saving technology. Trust Wireless Optical MediaPlayer Deskset DS-3700R comes with an advanced wireless multimedia keyboard and an 8-button wireless optical mouse with a micro USB receiver. The optical mouse is fitted with Windows Media Player control buttons, zoom function and a tilt scroll wheel. While, the slimline keyboard has 19 multimedia buttons, volume control wheel and Vista function keys.

A brand new laptop from the Sharp group, Mebius PC-WT70T is adorned with a 1.6 GHz CPU processor. A notebook par excellence, this latest model has a Random Access Memory of 1 GB, that can be scaled up to 2 GB. The operating system of Windows Vista Home Premium and Microsoft Office 2007 will be preinstalled with this product that has a SATA microprocessor of a capacity of 100 GB. The Mebius PC-WT70T is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and an integrated DVI. Apart from a high performance CPU, this laptop gives you a more suave and professional outlook. The crystal screen is about 15.4 inches wide and gives an extraordinary image quality. Grab the all-new Mebius PC-WT70T and get set to show it off to your competitors and clients. They’ll sure envy this magnificent little computer.

Recently Trust introduced its latest model Trust Wireless Laser MediaPlayer Deskset DS-4700R that works by using the latest energy saving energy. Trust Wireless Laser MediaPlayer Deskset DS-4700R comprises of an advanced wireless multi-media keyboard and an 8-button wireless laser mouse with a micro USB receiver. The slim keyboard has 19 multimedia buttons, Vista function keys and a volume control. While, the laser mouse features Windows Media Player control buttons, tilt scroll wheel and zoom function. Due to the latest power saving technology, Trust Wireless Laser MediaPlayer Deskset DS-4700R comes with an extra long battery life. Moreover, there is a special button on Trust Wireless Laser MediaPlayer Deskset DS-4700R to switch sensitivity to 800 and 1600 dpi.

The Kenwood HDV-990 Car Navigation system looks pretty great as not only does it provide you an one stop solution to your entertainment needs but also is a bonafied GPS Device.

The Kenwood HDV-990 supports CD±R/RW and DVD±R/RW discs and one can also store MP3, WMA, AAC, VR files on its 40GB HDD. It comes loaded with the maps of Japan and one also comes across an USB interface. This one is iPod friendly too and sports the Made For iPod Tag proudly. For now the system won't leave the shores of Japan.

Trust launched its new line of wireless desk sets and Trust Wireless Optical MediaPlayer Deskset DS-3700R is one of them. With features like a special button to switch sensitivity to 800 and 1600 dpi, Trust Wireless Optical MediaPlayer Deskset DS-3700R is an innovation in the next generation energy saving technology. Trust Wireless Optical MediaPlayer Deskset DS-3700R comes with an advanced wireless multimedia keyboard and an 8-button wireless optical mouse with a micro USB receiver. The optical mouse is fitted with Windows Media Player control buttons, zoom function and a tilt scroll wheel. While, the slimline keyboard has 19 multimedia buttons, volume control wheel and Vista function keys.

Trust puts together a portable CP-2250p Chat & VoIP Pack especially for notebook users that use chat functions. The set includes a foldable headset and a high-resolution webcam featuring design and functions developed for a notebook.

The USB webcam provides a high resolution of 1.3MP (snapshot resolution) and 2X digital zoom. With just the click of a button users can easily capture high quality photos. Set-up is extremely easy, just simply plug into the notebooks USB port and install any drivers if needed. The webcam can easily attach to just about every notebook monitor with the adjustable clamp. It also includes a retractable USB cable to keep cords neat for storage in a notebook bag. As far as the foldable headset, there is a detachable microphone to allow the headset to be used as normal headphones.

The Chat & VoIP Pack is suitable for many messaging services and can also be used to make free telephone calls over the Internet with a Vo-IP program. Expect the Trust Chat & VoIP Pack Portable CP-2250p to be available sometime around the middle of May.

Lexar Media's 2007 European line of JumpDrive® USB flash drives will provide great speed and durability with advanced security for data protection. The new Jumpdrive Lightning provides 30MB/s read and 21MB/s write speed. The Jumpdrive Lightning is among the fastest flash drives available and uses a superior grade of flash which provides a 10x longer life than other flash drives on the market.

The flash drives also feature compatibility with Microsoft Windows Vista. Users can take advantage of features offered by Windows Vista including Windows PE 2.0 and BitLocker Drive encryption. By using the JumpDrive, which is enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost, system performance can improve overall system performance when used as additional system memory.

The flash drive also comes with software such as PowerToGo and Secure II. With the PowerToGo software users are able to transport components from their familiar PC enviroment by simply installing and running Windows applications from the drive. The Secure II software features advanced 256-bit AES encryption, which enables users to protect sensitive data on the drive by a simple drag-and-drop file encryption. Users are given the ability to thoroughly "shred" files for secure deletion and create password-protected areas.

Mio reveals a new handheld GPS navigation device that includes a DMB reciever for watching TV. Not only can you watch TV, you can record too! The GPS unit recieves a large 4.3" NEC LCD touchscreen display. It is powered by a Samsung 2440 400mhz cpu and uses a SiRF Star III GPS receiver for navigation. Battery life is roughly 3.5 to 5 hours. Memory specs include 64MB SDRAM, 256MB Nand flash memory onboard and also support for external SD cards up to 8GB.

You can easily switch from TV and GPS with the touch of a button. With PIP function you can watch TV while navigating. A key feature of the device is the ability to record DMB TV broadcasts. A downside is the lack of support for an internal HDD, you will have to rely on large capacity SD cards for recording of your favorite shows. Unfortunetly, this awesome GPS navigation device soon only be available in Korea.

Have you heard of a mobile phone that offers both CDMA and GSM network compatibility? The Amoi V870 is a digital cellphone that does just that. An impressive model that offers CDMA 2000 1x EVDO 800/1900 MHz and GSM/GPRS 900/1800 MHz service connections, this phone is both good-looking and highly advantageous. Now you need not worry about not being able to perform functions of CDMA or GSM in your mobile phone, as both are compatible in the amazing Amoi V870. Approved by the FCC, this phone features a 1.3 megapixel camera, mini USB, Transflash MicroSD Cardslot, stereo sound, and audio and video players. The inbuilt audio player supports music in the formats of MIDI, MP3, QCP, WAV, MMF, AMR, WM and imelody. Formats of MP4, 3GP, AMC, 3G2, PMD and WMV are supported by the video player of this device. Amoi V870 also has Bluetooth 1.1 enabled. Weighing 104 grams, this mobile phone comes in dimensions of 92.5X49.5X18.7 mm. Ultra cool and easily affordable, it is available in selected markets across the world, and is truly a prized possession.

A sleek radio that provides hot and happening split-screen action, the XMCK 20 is a brand new offering from the XM stable. Touted as the first satellite radio with a split-screen display, the device enables viewing of current XM channel along with five other channels simultaneously. On a six-line display, you can view name of the channel, artist, song title and other extra information on a large LCD screen. The feature of tune selection helps users in finding their favorite songs or artistes on the radio. Ensuring a high level of connectivity, this radio is supported with a universal connector in the form of an easily move XpressR that is compatible with both car and home audio systems. The XMCK 20 Radio includes 30 minutes of pause and replay, and has an automatic backlight dimmer that can be adjusted for day-to-night viewing. The device also has a five-way tuner knob that facilitates easy navigation. Apart from playing your most-wanted music, it also allows you to keep a tab on your favorite sports events. While listening to the radio, you can scroll up to 20 stock symbols and surf for latest scores and updates from the field of racing, basketball, golf, tennis, etc. The XMCK 20 Radio is accessorized with XM SureConnect, antenna, 5 volt adapter, cassette adapter and a remote control, and is available at a price of $129.99.

The latest sensation from the Panasonic group of electronics, the CF-R6 Notebook is sure to create ripples in the market. Adorned with an Intel Centrino Mobile Technology with an Intel Core Solo Ultra Low Voltage 1.06 GHz processor, this sophisticated laptop weighs only 999 grams. Installed with a Windows Vista operating system, the Panasonic CF-R6 Notebook has a battery life of a whopping 11 hours. The product has a memory of 512 MB including 128 MB of shared memory, whereas the hard disk is of 60 GB. This laptop has a 10.4 type TFT display of more than 16,770,000 colors. The audio system of this laptop is simply matchless. It boasts of a PCM 16 bit stereo with Intel high definition audio. The product also offers built-in stereo speakers and an input/output for microphones. In short, the Panasonic CF-R6 Notebook is your safest bet if you are looking for an all-inclusive laptop. This lightweight product promises to make your work easier and more compatible with your professional outlook.

A hi-tech multimedia player by COWON, the D2-2G-WH model aims to further sophisticate the functions of an audio player. Available with a built-in flash memory of 2 GB, this player is microminiature in size ? smaller than the palm. The 10,000-color liquid crystal screen of this device enables viewing of animated picture playback of a very high quality. In this player, you can play music in the formats of MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, WAV and APE. It can also playback images compiled in the AVI and WMV formats. The continual playback time of animated picture is ten hours and that of music is a whopping 52 hours. Along with playing your favorite numbers, you can also listen to your selected FM radio stations in this player. The COWON D2-2G-WH has an SD/MMC card for external memory. Users can listen to their music through the chic 16 ohm earphone (37 mW+37mW) that is available with this product. Get hold of this amazing device and you can be on the move with your favorite pictures and music in tow.

The newest speaker system in town is not just suave and upmarket; it is also the best! Onkyo?s D-NX-10 is the latest two-way speaker system launched by the renowned Onkyo brand of electronics. The latest sensation for music lovers across Asia, this product features high-quality bass sound reproduction, made feasible by the use of an ?A ? OMF Monocoque cone? and an ?Aero Acoustic Drive?. This drive enables the actualization of silent playback with clearing, whereas the cone helps in giving a woofer effect to the music being played. Providing a largest input of 70 watts, this speaker system weighs about ten kilograms and is the perfect product for those who love their music full on. The rated frequency range of Onkyo D-NX 10 is 45 Hz to 100 Hz. The product is available for 18,900 Yen.

Hitachi's new "win" series phone, the W51H, will integrate AuthenTec's AES1510 fingerprint sensor as a standard feature. Authentec sensors are used in over 95 percent of biometric fingerprint cell phones worldwide. The fingerprint sensos will be mounted under the 2.9" 480x800 high resolution widescreen display which flips and swivels for easy reading while browsing mobile web pages.

The AES1510 fingerprint sensor for the W51H will be used to control on the handset and will be the first time KDDI, Japan's second largest network provider, will offer subscribers with a biometric phone. Additionally the sensor enables secure and convenient near field communication (NFC) transactions used for mobile ticketing and check in, stored value, mobile credit, and Internet commerce payments. The sensor is also specially designed to uphold to common wear and tear of the externally exposed sensor including minor bumps and scratches. The Hitachi W51H phone will be available for a $150 pricetag with a contract, and will be available to KDDI customers later this month.

Motorola announces the launch of a newly styled MOTOROKR E6 Jay Chou edition. The handset is embossed with orange edges and engraved with the JC logo. Measuring a mere 14.5mm thick, the MOTOROKR E6 Jay Chou edition is one of the thinnest entertainment PDA handsets. Users can take control easily of the handsets functions with its large 2.4” Touch Window screen. Others specs include a 2.0 megapixel camera, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack and dedicated music keys. It also comes packaged with Jay's lanyard, a stylish pouch, and a 1GB SD card including exclusive Jay Chou ringtones and wallpapers.

For any collectors out there, you might be interested the Eric So's latest creation of the first ever limited edition Moto x Jay Chou action figure. The Jay Chou action figure is posed in a casual outfit holding a mini MOTOROKR E6. The action figure will be eligible to recieve upon purchase of the MOTOROKR E6 Jay Chou edition, available on a first come first serve basis.

Kenwood’s RD-UDA55 mini-stereo system has already available in Japan for some time now. They now are making this awesome stereo now available in Black. Some of the main function keys light up with a nice elegant blue light around them. The unit itself is very versitile as far as media playback. The unit supports playback of MP3 and WMA file formats. Additionally, not only can you play CD's, SD cards and various external USB products are supported. Another key feature of the Hi-fi component system is the ability to easily record compressed music from external inputs including the CD, radio tuner, and cassette tape. Sale starts on April 26th, with orders expected to arrive on approximately May 10th.

Creative introduces their new Creative Live!® Cam Optia AF webcam. The webcam is the world's first to offer auto focus technology and a true 2.0 megapixel CMOS sensor. Featuring a class-leading 2.0MP CMOS sensor capturing High Definition video, the Creative Live! Cam Optia AF sets new standards for webcam video quality. Still images can also be captured at high resolution of 8.0MP. Another wonderful feature is the automatic focusing technology integrated into the webcam. With the auto-focus, the cameras lens will refocus upon detecting movement of the subject to ensure focus is directly on and images remain clear and sharp.

The webcam is easy to install, simply just Plug-n-Play. No driver installations required. Bundled in the package, the webcam comes with some fun software to make your videochatting more entertaining. Creative Audio FX allows users to morph their voice to sound like something else (kid, robot, male, female, etc.). Another Creative Live! Software is Cam Doodling , which enables users draw and write creatively in real time on their video images while video chatting. The Creative Live! Cam Optima AF will be available in April 2007 at a retail price of $169.00 in Singapore.