Archive for May, 2011

Google Analytics Now Tracks Page Load Speeds

Posted in Google by Conner Flynn on May 5th, 2011

Google has announced the creation of a new tool in Google Analytics, the Site Speed report. Google Analytics users will have to opt-into and edit their embedded javascript in order to activate. Once you do, it shows you the load times for your pages and site assets under different conditions like location of visitor, media placement, technology used to access the page and more.

We’ve seen variations of it over recent months and years through Google Webmaster Tools and Labs, but the full official tool is now here. Google reminds users that page load speed impact not just their own site conversion rates but also their AdSense offerings and their standing in Google search results.

Acer Iconia Tab A100 up for pre-order on Amazon UK for £400

Posted in Acer by Conner Flynn on May 5th, 2011

When we first heard details about the release of Acer’s Iconia Tab A100 WiFi version, you could say we were intrigued by the promise of an Amazon pre-order with Android 3.0 for just £300. You too right? Well, now there is a second version of the seven-inch tablet on Amazon with a May 14 release date, 3G, and a brand new price.

This new version will cost you £400 ($660). Well, you knew that you would have to pay extra for 3G after all. Those Gs add up and they aren’t cheap.

Sony NGP with Xbox 360 detailing shows up in China

Posted in Games by Conner Flynn on May 5th, 2011

Check this out. Somebody has a split personality. This knock-off NGP is called the iReadyGo RG. It’s a rip off of Sony’s upcoming handheld with the same 5-inch touchscreen, however it has some identity problems. The detailing is clearly inspired by the Xbox 360.

Other specs are rumored to include a 1GHz Cortex-A8 CPU, 720p camera, HDMI-out, and video playback compatibility for MP4, WMV, AVI, and many more. Apparently it will also have Android too, since iReadyGo is looking for six senior Android developers. No word on pricing or availability yet, but we will just wait for the real deal.

Samsung SENS-240 Navigation Tablet

Posted in Samsung by Conner Flynn on May 5th, 2011

The Samsung SENS-240 hybrid car navigation system / tablet is compatible with your Android-powered Samsung smartphone or tablet. The device uses Bluetooth to take over your voice, data, voice search, and even “video features” from your smartphone when you are behind the wheel.

You can use your smarpthone or tablet as an “advanced” remote when idle. The SENS-240 packs in 256MB of RAM, USB-host mode, and an SD slot in addition to a 1.43GHz processor. For now it’s Korea-only, but who knows where it will show up after a while.

RIM to launch 10-inch BlackBerry PlayBook this fall

Posted in Playbook by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2011

According to multiple sources, RIM is planning on releasing its sequel to the BlackBerry PlayBook around the holidays. The screen size is the main difference. The PlayBook 2 would likely be an additional PlayBook model as opposed to a second-generation tablet.

And it looks like this tablet will be in the 10-inch size. The current model has a 7-inch screen. The first model is selling well if you believe some analysts, so a larger version with an updated OS that includes an email client, BBM and more could be a home run. Makes sense. Hopefully we will hear more on this soon.

CTRL + O Bottle Opener

Posted in Home by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2011

As most of our readers know, Ctrl + O is a fast way to open files on your computer from your keyboard, so if you are looking for a geeky way to open your beer, the folks over at Art Lebedev have come up with one. The CTRL + O Bottle Opener.

It may not actually open your beer any faster, but at least you will be waving your geek flag nice and high for all to see. They are available for $18 each.

Fujitsu Loox F-07C Dual Booting Smartphone

Posted in Fujitsu by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2011

A printed brochure from Fujitsu has leaked, showing off the company’s new Loox F-07C smartphone/UMPC. The device can run dual operating systems. Both Windows 7 and Symbian OS. It is also equipped with a 4-inch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 600 and its powered by an Intel Atom Z600 at 1.2GHz and the GPU is an Intel 600 GMA with Direct X 9.0 support.

Onboard storage is a 32GB SSD with an additional SD card slot for expansion to another 32GB. There’s also a full QWERTY keyboard and it measures just 125mm H x 61mm W x 19.8mm.

Scosche Solvue Bluetooth Speaker

Posted in Bluetooth by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2011

Scosche is introducing the new eco-friendly Solvue Bluetooth speaker. What makes this wireless speaker stand out from the pack is that it features an integrated solar panel that continuously re-charges the lithium ion battery inside.

But it’s not just solar. You can also charge the battery using a USB cable. The Scosche Solvue Bluetooth speaker uses DSP echo cancellation technology for crystal clear conversation even in noisy environments. The Solvue Bluetooth speaker will cost you $109.99.

These Spy glasses shoot HD video

Posted in Spy Gear by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2011

Want to take some secret video of someone while looking like Clark Kent? Here’s your ticket. These spy glasses should keep your video shooting nice and discrete. The video is captured at 720p HD quality and at 30fps. It has a handy ‘on’ button to start recording and you are good to go.

These glasses also pack in about 4GB of storage and you get a 1-year warranty. Just $110. Have fun explaining why you suddenly need glasses and why you chose this pair. And why you don’t always seem to need them.

Seagate to ship 3TB HDD soon

Posted in Seagate by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2011

HDD barriers are breaking left and right. The latest innovation comes from Seagate, breaking the 1TB density barrier. Seagate will soon be offering the world’s first 3TB hard disk drive. Today, this size is more important than ever, with all of our images and downloads etc.

This 3.5” HDD for desktop PCs will help insure that you have plenty of space. The new HDD uses three platters. For now, Seagate hasn’t mentioned a shipping-date. The price is also unknown, but we should have some more info soon.

Loewe’s 3D television with 500GB of memory

Posted in 3D by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2011

German manufacturer Loewe is getting into the 3D television market, with its first 3D screen. It features great industrial design and is handcrafted and sculpted. The Full-HD LCD 3D television screen has LED backlighting and a 400Hz picture quality.

This set also offers a 500GB DR+ hard drive, so you can record and replay all of your 3D content easily. The screens are also available in just about any color finish you like.

SOE attack “make good” plan gets you a free DC Universe Online Batman mask

Posted in Sony by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2011

Sony Online Entertainment is offering the DC Universe Online community a free Batman inspired mask as part of its “make good” plan after an attack on the system that has led to two weeks without service to the PlayStation Network. All players who were affected will receive both the Batman mask and a 30 day subscription credit plus one day for each day the service is unavailable. Not a bad way to say they are sorry.

In addition, SOE is asking for patience as it returns service. “Please bear with us as the complexities of the subscription server dictate how and when this will be available along with pertinent details,” But hey, free batman stuff.

G-Form Extreme Sleeve Protects Your Laptop

Posted in Cases by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2011


The video above shows off the the MacBook Pro G-Form Extreme Sleeve for Laptops, which is available in 11, 13 and 15-inch versions. This is one serious Laptop sleeve that will help your device survive some extreme abuse.

How extreme? How about dropping a 13-inch notebook off a balcony, from a very tall height? The computer survives just fine thanks to Poron Xrd, the name of the custom material used inside the sleeve’s outer shell that absorbs the force on impact. The MacBook Pro G-Form Extreme Sleeve for Laptops is available in black and yellow should you want to test it yourself. It will cost you $69.95 for the 11-inch model or ten bucks more for both 13- and 15-inch models.

Nintendo drops Wii to $150 on May 15th, with free Wii Wheel and Mario Kart

Posted in Wii by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2011

Well, we knew it was coming and sure enough, Nintendo just made it official. They will cut the retail price of the Wii down to $149.99, and will also include a copy of Mario Kart and the Wii Wheel peripheral with the console.

They will replace the current bundle of Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort games. The steering wheel and the Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk controllers will match the color of the console you buy. Not a bad time to get a Wii if you have been waiting for such a deal.

Pandora now offering comedy stations

Posted in News by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2011

Pandora isn’t just about music anymore. The company is expanding beyond music-based radio stations and into the world of comedy. That’s good news, because we could all use a laugh sometimes. The streaming music service will offer more than 10,000 clips from over 700 comedians.

The new service will be ready to go sometime today. It will work the same exact way as any other Pandora station: you create new radio stations based on your favorite comedians and give the thumbs up or down for those tracks you like or dislike. What do you think? Is this a good move for Pandora?