Archive for November, 2010

Windows Phone 7 bug prevents secure Wi-Fi on Venue Pro, HD7

Posted in News by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

A flaw that may be linked to Windows Phone 7 itself may be preventing devices from connecting to secure Wi-Fi points. That’s what new owners have discovered since launch. Those trying to reach a locked network are told they “couldn’t reach the Wi-Fi network” even when using a valid password.

And it looks like the issue isn’t just confined to one device. It has affected at least the Dell Venue Pro and HTC HD7, according to BGR. It hasn’t affected unprotected networks and hasn’t had any significant attention during the European and Australian launches, so it could involve US-specific firmware.

Apple amends iPod Water Damage Policy

Posted in Apple by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

Apple has just updated its internal documentation regarding its water damage policy for iPods according to a screenshot that Boy Genius Report got a hold of.

A source told BGR that Apple has included a number of Liquid Contact Indicators (LCI) into its iPod line that tell Apple whether the device has come into contact with a liquid. In the past the mere indication by a LCI alone was enough for Apple to suspect liquid damage. Now with the new guide lines Apple is requesting its employee’s carry do further checks to confirm the LCI indicator.

Mobile Tail iPhone stand

Posted in iPhone by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

Some people treat their iPhone better than a pet, so why shouldn’t it have a tail? The Mobile Tail is a silicone tail attached to a suction cup that can be attached to the back of the iPhone or any other mobile device. Once stuck to the mobile phone it will hold the device in an upright position so you can watch videos on it.

The tail doesn’t wag, otherwise your device would fall flat. It comes in several different colors. At least it would, but it’s just a concept. Still it is cute if you like puppies and the like.

Sony’s Reader Daily Edition now on sale with Wi-Fi and 3G

Posted in ebooks by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

Hot on the heels of Hanvon introducing a new color E-Reader, Sony is announcing that you can now purchase another monochrome version. Lucky you.

The Sony Reader Daily Edition is now on sale in-stores and online. The Reader Daily Edition has both Wi-Fi and 3G, and like the new Reader Pocket Edition and Reader Touch Edition, it also has a touch panel. The 7″ screen will give access to Sony’s Reader Store via Wi-Fi or 3G, and you can also do some basic Web browsing via Wi-Fi.

Sony MDR-ZX100 Stereo Headphones

Posted in Sony by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

The latest Stereo headphones from Sony come in the form of the MDR-ZX100. These are available in red, blue, black, white, pink and gray and provide a frequency response of 12 – 22,000Hz, a 30mm diameter driver unit, 24-Ohm of impedance, 100dB/mW output sound-pressure and a 3.5mm gold mini-jack (L type).

These headphones are affordable and also lightweight. If you like what you see in the Sony MDR-ZX100 Stereo headphones, they are priced at 3,980 Yen or about $48.95.

NEC develops super-fast Analog to HD Video Conversion

Posted in NEC by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

NEC has developed a new technology that makes it possible to quickly change low-res analog video to HD video. According to NEC, the existing solutions available require one full month to convert one hour of analog video images into HD images.

This new method is up to 17 times faster than conventional ones. The company’s new image processing technology changes one hour of analog into HD video in only 10 hours. Video material recorded on analog video could be remastered and shown in HD using this solution. Unclear images recorded on non-HD security cameras could also be sharpened this way.

AT&T advises customers not to install SD cards in the Samsung Focus

Posted in Samsung by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

AT&T workers in stores have said that Microsoft is currently working on a fix to stabilize the whole microSD memory card slot reliability issue. AT&T employees have been told not install microSD memory cards in Samsung Focus phones until further notice. Meaning, until a fix is available.

They also advise customers not to upgrade the phones themselves. We have no idea when this “fix” will arrive, but some have gone ahead and successfully installed new memory cards themselves.

Zaggmate iPad keyboard case

Posted in iPad accessories by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

Here’s yet another iPad case with an accompanying keyboard, from Zagg. The Zaggmate has two models available: one with a keyboard and one without. It’s a clip-on stand that can elevate your iPad horizontally or vertically for easier viewing.

The keyboard model offers a full QWERTY keyboard. It’s currently listed as ‘Coming Soon,’ with the standard model costing $69.99 and the keyboard model costing $30 more. Do you like this one better than other models or are you happy with your iPad the way it is?

Samsung sells 3M Galaxy S phones in the US

Posted in Samsung by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

Awhile back, Samsung announced that it had sold 5 million Galaxy S phones globally and 2 million of those were from the US. Now Samsung USA’s Paul Golden has confirmed that the company has sold more than 3 million Galaxy S units in the US and about 7 million globally.

According to Paul, there is a high demand for all of the Galaxy S devices, but the shortage of Super AMOLED displays is causing some supply issues. Either way these are impressive stats and if you have a Galaxy S phone, they thank you for your purchase.

Apple buys Wi-Gear to build stereo Bluetooth headphones

Posted in Apple by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

We’ve seen more than our share of third-party Bluetooth devices being offered for Apple’s devices, so it would make sense for Apple to make their own. So it is no surprise that Apple might want in on the Bluetooth accessory game business.

Apple has just acquired Wi-Gear, a company that made a stereo headset called iMuffs. One of the company’s co-founders now lists himself as an iOS Bluetooth Engineer at Apple and it looks like Wi-Gear has ceased operations.

Duracell myGrid USB Charger

Posted in Chargers by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

The myGrid USB Charger is a rechargeable Li-ion battery with a USB output with enough juice to extend the life of most smartphones by four hours and the life of most e-readers by up to 100 hours, according to Duracell.

For $34.99 that makes this one a no-brainer and you can get one today at CVS, Walmart, Target and Amazon. It comes with both mini-USB and micro-USB adapters.

New Bluetooth Headset for PS3 is official

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on November 8th, 2010

We knew it was coming and things just got more official. The new Bluetooth headset for the PS3 comes in a new form factor, shedding some weight and looking more stylish. This Bluetooth headset features a dual-microphone design, automatic pairing via USB cable with the PS3, an in-game headset status indicator, an easy to access mute button, and a charging cradle that doubles as a desktop microphone.

It looks much sexier now and matches the PS3 much better. They also claim that this is the only peripheral that delivers a High-Quality mode for crystal clear voice chat while gaming. It’s still just $49.99.

Samsung Continuum gets official, ships November 11

Posted in Samsung by Conner Flynn on November 8th, 2010

The Verizon Wireless Samsung Continuum has just been made official and will ship on November 11th. You can pick one up at retail stores on that date as well. This Android 2.2 Froyo phone has a secondary display beneath the main display with a resolution of 400 X 96 to display ticker information and other important alerts.

The Galaxy S smartphone features a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED display, 1 GHz Hummingbird processor, 5-megapixel camera with 720p HD video recording, and 8 GB of storage.

LG L-03C is a true camera phone

Posted in Cameras by Conner Flynn on November 8th, 2010

We’ve had cameras in our phones forever now. We typically call them camera phones. Really they are phones with a camera inside. The phone is the priority, hence the crappy pictures that camera phones take. Well, LG has unveiled a new device that is a true camera phone. The device not only has a 12.1MP image sensor, but it also looks more like a camera than a phone.

It also features an ISO range of up to 3200 and has a Pentax 1:3.6-5.5 lens with 3x optical zoom. The LG L-03C can also record 720p HD video and has GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and 3G. If you want a decent camera with a phone, this would be it.

DoCoMo Sharp SH-07C e-Book Reader

Posted in ebooks by Conner Flynn on November 8th, 2010

The Sharp SH-07C e-Book reader is now available in Japan via DoCoMo’s network. The device weighs in at 240 grams and the 3G e-Book reader features a 5.5-inch color LCD with a 1024×600 resolution.

Some other features include 32GB of internal storage space and support for the new XMDF eBook format. Sadly, we don;t have any info on pricing or availability yet. When we hear something, we’ll let you know.