Simple Gadget Peels Back AT&T's iPhone Monopoly

girl with gadget....:)

Chumby to License its Software to Other Gadgets

Remember Chumby, the cute media player that allows users to pick information widgets and then streams it from the internet?

It is set to get a wider platform as the company executives have decided to port its software on to other gadgets to create a “powered by Chumby” brand, reports Forbes.

The move means instead of selling just the Chumby device, its makers can license the software that powers it to other companies who want similar functionality in their gadgets. Chumby, for instance, can pull together information such as weather, music, news and photos from the Web and stream it to the user.

The $200 Chumby launched in the U.S. in February 2008 and is currently available in U.K, Japan, Australia. But the device hasn’t been a hit among consumers. Moving away from a single box strategy and licensing its software could bring greater exposure to the device and the concept behind it, beleive Chumby executives. It’s a strategy that other gadget makers have tried. Earlier this year GPS navigation device maker, Dash, killed its box and shifted its focus from selling hardware-based GPS devices to just licensing its applications and services to run on other products. In June, BlackBerry maker Research In Motion acquired Dash.

Chumby is betting on a similar strategy. The company is already negotiating with companies such as Sony, Samsung, Broadcom and Marvell to be included in products such as digital picture frames, TVs and Blu-ray players. Chumby powered gadgets are expected to be available this holiday season, the first of which is likely to be a digital photo frame. Photo frames with Chumby software could include pictures from sites such as Flickr, internet radio, weather and even twitter feeds.

Photo: Chumby

source:Gadget Lab

Tweeters or Twits? Gadget fad takes hold

After seeing the success of Barack Obama's online presence during his election campaign, Thai politicians saw a new channel to communicate with voters. Twitter and Facebook have suddenly become very popular.

They use the tools to chat and publicise their activities with supporters. Reporters have even interviewed them through these social networking sites.

Some of the famous "tweeters" are leading politicians and those among the Democrats include Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (his fan club registered for him), Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu, PM's adviser Apirak Kosayodhin, and PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey. Earlier, the Democrats' tech-smart team had chatted via BlackBerry Messenger.

And no great surprise, even that great fan of mod cons, Thaksin Shinawatra, has jumped on the band-wagon.

The ousted PM marked his 60th birthday with an official launch of Twitter and Facebook accounts to keep in touch with as many support-ers as possible.

And despite just a brief stint tweeting, the former tele-com tycoon won the title of "Mr Twitter of Thailand" and is leading in a competition for "Mr Twitter of Asia.

But how long before these politicians get tired of the social network bug?

President Obama hasn't tweeted once since being sworn into office. Some think Obama supporters have been "pumped and dumped" now the election is over. Others believe that as president Obama has been restricted because of federal restrictions on presidential communications.

In similar vein, the tech-savvy Abhisit has had an account on Hi5 for years but since he became PM he's been too busy to update the site. Now, his staff do updates for him, including his Twitter.

Unlike their boss, Korn, Korbsak, and Satit seemed to be more active with these gadgets. They are regular users of the social network sites.

Korn sometimes tweets by himself but sometimes aides type for him. Korn could be the most active tweeter among this lot. He tweets both about his work and daily life. Wherever he goes, he has been spotted by reporters taking pictures and posting them on his twitter. It now has many exclusive pics.

If you want to see them, you won't be disappointed. For example, one from a Cabinet meeting room; another shows Abhisit blowing out candles on his birthday cake. Pictures of Korn and his family were also posted.

Korn sent a note from a press conference about the government's first six months, and when the Senate passed an executive decree for Bt400 billion ($17 billion) worth of loans. The lanky finance minister seems to enjoys tweeting and posting pictures, while Korbsak uses a micro blog to update folk about what he does.

Let's hope politicians don't regard these posts as part of their achievements. It's hardly what they're expected to do.

source:AsiaOne

Travel gadget: Smiley tags

Have you noticed that almost everyone in the world now has a black travel bag? I came to a belated awareness of this the other day as I was waiting for our luggage to come off the airport carousel.

As it happens my suitcase is brown and is further differentiated from the masses by a luggage strap with red tikis on it. However my wife's is black and therefore indistinguishable from all the others.

If it wasn't for the fact that we had cunningly left on a couple of brightly coloured tags from previous trips I'd have had to join the many other punters who were forced to pick up every passing black bag, scrutinise the label, then put it back on the carousel.

But if you don't have access to any garish labels then a good alternative is one of these Smiley tags - happy, smiling faces in a range of luminous colours, 7.5cm in diameter, and very easy to pick out amid the mass of black luggage.

They cost $6 each - plus $4 freight, so you might want to consider buying something else as well - from globaltravelproducts.co.nz.

Then you've just got to hope everyone else doesn't get the same idea.

Mobile Computing

They have not rather made KITT – the most heard AI (Artificial Intelligence) added into the automotive star of TV’s Knight Rider but Dashboard Devices are available out there which can allow you to give your normal motorcar a touch of smart abilities with just 2,750-USD ENV-XC.

This computer is made about a 1.66-GH Intel Core Duo processor, with 1-GB of memory and a 160-GB HD. It links up to an in-dash touch screen that will replace your car radio controllers. It is featuring
a) A DVD-read/write.
b) A USB porthole to plug-in more devices like keyboard for typing emails.
c) A GPS navigation system.
d) WiFi.

It is coming with Windows, but any advanced user can set up the Linux OS rather. And best of all, it can also talk to you. Visit www.dashboarddevices.com

21ST Century Radio

Fed up of typical old AM/FM? Then look at this car radio that can link up you to internet stations all over the world. It works with Bluetooth technology to piggyback on the data link given by any device such as the 3G-enabled iPhone. MiRoamer is releasing some models to hit the shelves of the consumer market during this year with price ranging from $300 to $400. www.miroamer.com

Solar Powered Phone

Many states are insisting that drivers should have hands-free devices while using them during driving. One great choice is the $100 LG solar-powered speakerphone. This phone can tap Bluetooth to link up to your mobile phone. One little button can let you answer calls. Moreover, you can also make calls if your phone is featuring voice commands. By giving 1-hr for charging the speakerphone you can enjoy approximately 2-hrs of talk-time in daylight. On purchasing you will also receive a car adapter, which will let you charge directly from the dashboard. Visit www.lge.com

Portable GPS Device

If it is unaffordable for you to get full computer upgrade for your motorcar, you still have an option to get some navigation help from this portable GPS device. This unit is controlled thru touch-screen. The $189 GY 135 speaks directions and sends along a different route. The unit is full of maps of the U.S.A. right out of the box. If you want to get more U.S.A. or Canadian maps, you can add by utilizing a memory card. Visit www.thencc.com

source:http://www.ixibo.com

Gadget Leak: Sprint WiMax Rollout Schedule For 2009

WiMax’s fate hasn’t been sealed just yet, but based on its success so far, or lack there of, I’d say that’s it demise is only a matter of time. But contrary to popular belief Sprint is plugging ahead with their WiMax rollout, that is assuming this leaked roadmap is accurate. Next on the list is Portland, OR, which is already seeing street team marketing in full affect, so big yellow will have some catching up to do. As far as the remaining roll out schedule, I’m just surprised to see the list devoid of any major metropolitan coasts cities.

Radio-Controlled Feed Boat

Gear | Gadget

It is not just a toy with the tipper, this 60cm (19ft6") boat featuring includes a sonar sensor as the fish finder, the remote control's LED display shows you where to find the fish and a water temperature sensor. The Radio-Controlled Feed Boat(GBP 435; about $726): With sonar sensor, tipper for 4.4 lbs of bait, underwater LED light and a 948ft range. Around reed islands and in shallow water. In remote waterside areas and under overhanging branches. This Radio-Controlled Feed Boat will bring your bait and floaters to places that can��t even be reached with the best casting technique. Up to 300m (984ft) from your location. The one-hand control is easy to operate and will take the agile electric boat to the exact spot where the fish are �C tracked by the built-in sonar sensor. The 5.3 x 5.4cm (2" x 2 1⁄10") display on the remote-control will show you where to find the fish and at which depth the shoal is moving (up to 30m /98ft in 2m/6ft5�� units). In addition it will indicate the water temperature (0-40��C) and the absolute water depth as well as all boat movements and activities. The tipper discharges up to 2kg (4.4 lbs) of bait at the touch of a button. Along with your hook bait, too, if you wish. Two powerful jet motors (540 Series) are situated within the hull so you can also navigate in severely overgrown waters: Algae and twining plants won��t get caught up in the propellers. original post: http://www.likecool.com/Radio-Controlled_Feed_Boat--Gadget--Gear.html

Kodak Theater HD Player with motion-sensitive remote, available now

Kodak after announcing new Zi8 HD cameras also introduced a new HD player called Kodak Theater HD Player.

This device is designed to connect directly to the HDTV via either WiFi or Ethernet connection. Moreover, not only can play videos, but also images, podcasts, music and web content.

Kodak Theatre HD Player has brings a “point and play” remote control that also has motion-sensitive controller. Its motion-sensitive controller is like a mouse but without a flat surface.

It also has support multi card reader of SD/MMC/xD/MS/CF and a USB port. It has provided to playback your videos or images. Kodak Theatre HD Player allows play YouTube video and other on-demand streams.

Kodak Theater HD Player is available now and their price is for $199.99.

Source
Kodak Theatre HD Player with motion-sensitive remote

iPhone Document Scanner

The iPhone Document scanner was designed and built by Kyle Koch and was an answer to problems he had taking pictures of class assignments (so that he didn’t loose them).

Documents taken by hand normally came out clear, but occasionally there was a bit of blur which is why this iPhone Document Scanner was his answer. Mixing this custom document scanner with software like Evernote and you have quite a decent system to store all of your documents digitally and as it’s all stored on the iPhone it means you can sync it with your computer and take documents everywhere with you.

The Phone Document Scanner measures 15.5 inches in length, 9.5 inches wide and 15 inches tall. The unit is handmade but is still available to order at a cost of $45 per unit. Shipping is done all over the world with shipping cost.


source: http://www.gadgetvenue.com/iphone-document-scanner-07300232/

Gadgets, Web sites to make you a better runner

(CNN) -- Admit it, runners: When you're on the fifth mile of your fourth run of the week and there's nothing but you, the summer heat and 5 more miles to go, things can get a bit ... boring.

High-tech gadgets and Web sites can help motivate runners and make training less of a chore.

"That's one of the challenges with marathon training, especially if you're not the type of person who runs every day out of habit," said Popular Science Editor Mike Haney, who is training for his fifth marathon.

Haney started running in 2004 and at first eschewed everything but an Ironman watch and a pair of shoes.

As he's gotten more competitive, though, Haney has turned to running gear not only to make him a better, more competitive runner but also to keep him engaged.

"I like running, but having the music in my ear and having the pace on my wrist makes it more palatable," Haney said, "especially when you're going really long distances."

If the spice is gone from your 10k or marathon training, don't toss aside your running log just yet. Sports-equipment manufacturers keep concocting lighter and more technologically advanced gadgets that make running less of a chore.

Even if you're not a gadget geek, road testing one of these may be all you need to rekindle your running flame.

Some tech-savvy runners and trainers shared their favorite running gear.

Low-tech is the new high-tech

Although shoe developers haven't made a pair that can do the running for you, they have found a way to make running shoes feel more natural, like you're not wearing shoes at all. A popular new breed of shoe tries to simulate running barefoot.

Nike, New Balance and Newton Running all make sneaks designed to give the feeling of an unencumbered "barefoot" gait with the stability of a sturdy yet flexible sole.

The new Nike Free 5.0 ($85) offers a middle ground for those who like the idea of barefoot running but aren't ready to part with the stability a shoe provides. With deep grooves along the bottom, the ultralight shoe allows your feet to move as they please, because the sole bends according to your natural motion.

Then there are the Newton Running trainers (all models $175), which provide a barefoot running experience whether you like it or not.

The shoe is designed to mimic the way a person runs barefoot "because they have protrusions on the forefoot that encourage you to be more of a forefoot striker or midfoot striker instead of landing on your heel," Haney said. Experts say this reduces injuries.

Watch yourself

Runners should know the power of a good heart-rate monitor, as it could mean the difference between winning a race and not feeling prepared enough to even start one. Having a visual reminder of your heart rate lets you develop a consistent pace while knowing whether you should push yourself or slow down.

Today's wrist-wearable computers go far beyond reading your heart's rhythm. Using a model equipped with GPS, speed-calculating shoe sensors (also known as foot pods) and data-analysis tools can be the key to improving your running and inspiring consistency, since you can track every detail of how your performance changes over time.

For trainer and "Running for Mortals" author Jenny Hadfield of Chicago, Illinois, the new Garmin Forerunner 310XT ($349) is the optimal choice.

"The battery life is fantastic, the satellites work wherever I'm at in the world, you can get your heart rate, there's a foot pod so you can get your cadence, elevation, distance, speed, averages of all of those things -- and it's really easy to use," Hadfield explained.

Another option is the new Polar RS800CX ($470), which uses foot pods to measure a runner's speed, distance, route elevation and cadence. Unlike the Garmin, the Polar device can also measure stride length -- how much ground you cover with each stride -- a stat experts say is key in improving your pace.

Tune in

A favorite with athletes around the world despite its lack of GPS technology, the Nike+ Sport Kit ($29) uses a sensor that's tucked inside a compatible Nike shoe to track speed and distance. The sensor then sends that information wirelessly to an iPod Touch or iPhone. The system also works with the older iPod Nano via a small receiver attached to the mp3 player.

You can see how far you've gone, how fast you ran and about how many calories you burned, all while listening to a running mix of your choice, and later upload your data to the Nike+ site.

Nike also offers the slim, watch-sized Nike+ Sport Band ($59), which displays your distance, pace and calories burned and holds 30 hours of workout data.

There's an app for that

If you fear that running without GPS could land you in dangerous territory, there's also the free iPhone application RunKeeper, which takes care of the basics: speed, time spent and distance.

The upside? You've got your GPS-enabled phone, your music and a portable running log, and you can share the status of your workouts with friends on Facebook and Twitter. The downside: The iPhone is a bit bulky, and you'll be sweating all over it in no time, so don't forget to buy a waterproof case.

Run the Web

Of course, if the thrill of a new gadget isn't enough to push you out of the door, peer pressure and friendly cajoling may do the trick, even if it's not face-to-face.

Both Polar and Nike+ have comprehensive Web sites where runners upload information from their runs and find new training plans. With the new, more intuitive NikePlus.com -- the beta version of which rolled out in early July -- runners can create running and fitness goals, log data, track their progress and even challenge others.

Lisa Katayama, a San Francisco, California-based technology blogger and new runner, said the Nike+ system is one of the few things that keeps her going.

"For me, [the Nike+] is crucial," she said. "It has the biggest and strongest online community in the world, it's easy to use, and it's really well integrated with the Web, so you can share with your friends."


credit: http://edition.cnn.com

Mobile Security: How Gadgets Evolved

CSO publisher Bob Bragdon still has his first mobile office gadget from 1987. We take a trip down memory lane and examine how mobile device security has matured to meet today's data protection needs

CSO Publisher Bob Bragdon is a self-proclaimed "gadget head." His collection, which spans from 1987, runs the gamut from primitive digital address book to the latest generations of today's Blackberry and iPhone (Check out the slideshow to see pictures of all of them).

Bragdon, who is also a pack-rat, rifled through his attic and gave us the devices for a little retrospective. We enlisted mobile-office-tech expert Catherine Roseberry, author of 'Moving to Mobility: Creating a successful remote work environment,' to give us the details of each device's features and security. In just over two decades, we see how mobile technology security has transformed from simple password protection to platforms that now secure data transmission with encryption, authorization, access control and firewall protection (But they still include plenty of vulnerabilities. Check out 3 Simple Steps to Hack a Smartphone).

1989: Sharp Dial Master EL-6250H
Bragdon began buying gadgets for work in 1987. His first purchase: A Sharp Dial Master EL-6250H, which he used to store contacts for several years. According to Roseberry, the device was a telephone book, memo pad, calculator and auto phone dialer with an 8KB memory. While it was manufactured long before concerns about data privacy and breaches dominated headlines, it did have a security feature. A secret key was pressed to keep items password protected, according to Roseberry. A key icon indicated whether an item was password protected.

1997: RIM Inter@active Pager 950
Bragdon used his Dial Master until about 1991, but it wasn't until 1997 that was issued a RIM Inter@active Pager 950 by a former employer. It was his first experience with mobile email communication, he said. The pager had a small keyboard and a full mailbox that held more than 500 contacts. Users could also send and receive two-way pages, faxes and send voice-to-text messages, said Roseberry. It had 2MB of memory and also included an address book, calendar, alarm, calculator and memo pad. While the device was a definite step up in terms of functionality, the only security feature included was password protection, said Roseberry.

1999: HP 6601x
The HP 6601x was the first mobile device Bragdon used that had connectivity. A "brick," as Bragdon described it, it had 32MB of RAM, included a PCMCIA WiseCom 56.6kbps modem, and had Windows CE Services 2.1. It also had an IR Port and a docking cradle to connect to a PC.

Security included password protection similar to that of a PC, said Roseberry. However, if you lost your password, the device required a hard reset. All data was lost.

adget: HTC G2 Running Windows Mobile

Place of Origin: China

"Inspired" by: The HTC Magic

Like the iPhone, when HTC announced their successor to the G1 and released pictures of the mobile, the copy masters over at China began their process of making a mold to make a fake version of the phone.

The phone was not named specifically in the beginning (it was first called Ion then it took them awhile to come up with Magic, then the US called it myTouch 3G), so everyone just called it the G2 to identify it as HTC's next Android running smartphone. The name stuck with the fake-phone makers and thus we get the HTC G2.

The G2 runs on a Huawei K3 460MHz processor with a Windows Mobile 6.1 OS, has EDGE (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and that's all I know about this phone. Oh, it comes with a stylus.

You can tell the differences between this phone and the real thing. The most obvious ones being the lack of the Android-required buttons: Home, Menu, Back and Search and the missing trackball (it's replaced with a D-pad which looks like the rumored HTC Click's with a smaller middle). Subtle alterations are a smaller touchscreen with the 'htc' logo (which kinda looks like 'ntc') making up for the loss of screen space and the top speaker is only half complete. What? Did they poke holes and then gave up halfway?

What's pretty interesting about the mobile is the back carries a very familiar logo:

Yes, Vodafone. I guess the makers decided to put the telco's name since the HTC Magic was announced to be a Vodafone exclusive in the EU. Don't know what's up with the logo though, it's not a flame is it?

This phone has not been released yet so we've got no price tag but expect it to come in at around NZ$400 plus shipping. I will update this post as more information is released.

My arbitrary score for almost-the-real-thing-ness : 5/10

Gotta stand about 3 meters away for it to look real. Even then you shouldn't be waving it around.

25 Mind-Blowing Gadgets

Few weeks ago we’ve presented a number of innovative gadgets, devices, designs and concepts. Unless explicitly specified, none of them has been officially released or produced yet, and none of them is currently available for end-users. But what about existing products? What about innovative designs which are already available in stores and can be bought straight away?

As part of our monday inspiration series we present 25 mind-blowing gadgets and devices which are already available today. Among them you’ll find loudspeakers, turntables, TV sets, furniture, laptop sleeves and further accessories. Please notice: most of them aren’t cheap at all, and many of them cost over $10,000.

You might want to take a look at

• the article Innovative Designs and Devices which covers innovative, futuristic gadgets, devices, designs and concepts, and
• further articles from our Monday Inspiration series.

BeoLab 4 PC

BeoLab 4 PC is a no-fuss version of the popular BeoLab 4, optimised to bring outstanding stereo sound to the desktop. All it takes is a mini-jack cable from your computer, portable music player or any other source with a headphone jack. Price: $990.

credit: http://www.smashingmagazine.com

Toshiba Intros Two LCD Photo Frame

Toshiba churned out a set of new LCD photo frames today. Available in an 8-inch and 10-inch flavor, both frames include FrameChannel’s content service, which enables users to link not only their favorite photo, music, video and social network accounts, but view content from a variety of news outlets and program personalized weather, traffic and sports.
Specs wise the frames include built-in WiFi, touch sensitive controls and an accelerometer that automatically rotates photos and uploaded video to the correct orientation.

The 8-inch frame will be available in white (DMF82XWU) and black (DMF82XKU), while the 10-inch (DMF102XKU) is available in black

Both frames will be available this August and start at $179.99.

gadget? seriously?

I got an e-mail from Saks Fifth Avenue last night that gave me pause, and not because of the deal it was advertising ("spend some get some," which rewards customers with gift cards depending on how much they spend).

No, it was the photo in the e-mail that took me aback. The e-mails I get from Saks usually include a picture of a luscious handbag, a sleek shoe or a frothy frock -- each of them worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.

The e-mail I got yesterday was different: it had a photo of two models of Garmin GPS navigators.

I thought: Get serious. This might be the feeblest little blip on the recession-marketing radar I've seen yet. Sure, a GPS system is a lot more practical than an ostrich-skin tote.

But until today, I never even realized Saks carried electronics -- and other than the ultimate directionless, rich gift buyer, I can't imagine anyone who would ever go to Saks for gadgets.

But there it was on the Saks Web site -- a full range of Garmins. I did some more research and realized that the store isn't alone -- Neiman Marcus carries electronics ranging from Bose speakers to Panasonic razors.

In a time when stores like Saks are trying to cut costs by doing things like closing their bridal boutiques nationwide -- and in a time when we have stores like Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart and Best Buy -- doesn't it make sense for upscale department stores to lose the electronics?

I'd like to hear from readers on this one. Have any of you ever purchased a gadget at an upscale department store -- or can you think of a reason why you would?

T3 Awards: Apple Dominate Gadget Shortlist

Apple look set to dominate the T3 gadget awards again this year following the announcement of the shortlist.

The annual gadget awards are due to take place in London on October 14, and readers have been voting in on long lists in 18 categories.

Over 65,000 reader votes were cast, and T3 has now reduced the categories to shortlists of five.

Apple has 11 nominations in 10 categories, but the iPhone 3GS will face stiff competition in the Gadget of the Year award.

Palm's Pre and HTC's Hero are also nominated in a category where smartphones are dominant.

The HTC Hero is also in the Phone Of The Year category, while HTC has made it into Tech Brand Of The Year, where it will take on Google, Apple, Microsoft and Asus.

The New Media Service of the Year category is set to be interesting, with the BBC iPlayer up against music service Spotify and Google's Streetview.

"It's been an amazing year for tech, which is obvious from a brief glance at the awards shortlist," said T3 editor Michael Brook.

"This year sees the toughest competition for top honours ever - and with such a huge response from our readers and a respected panel of tech judges, these brands are really going to want to take home an award."

The award winners will now be decided by a combination of reader votes and a panel, which includes Sky News presenter Martin Stanford.

To cast a vote and for more information, people can go to the official T3 awards site.

High-end navigation gadget is also costly

Get what you pay for: Pioneer's long-running AVIC navigation series can be described as unconscionably good and extremely expensive. But gadget geeks will forgive the latter when they have the former, so this high-end series of double-DIN navigation and entertainment units is a perennial favourite. The latest, AVIC-X910BT, features a 5.8-inch touch screen, map data of North America and a built-in MSN Direct tuner that provides access to traffic information, news, weather, gas prices, movie times and more.

The included Bluetooth technology allows users to control both phone calls and the stereo via voice command. So, rather than needlessly fiddling with buttons, drivers wishing to listen to Lady Gaga need only denigrate themselves by saying it out loud. $1,300; visit pioneerelectronics.ca.

Google gadget

We have added the Pacmee MyShoutout gadget in iGoogle. This gadget will show the message you sent to pacmee myshoutout service. Just make sure you change the “pacmee username” to your actual username so that this gadget will show your shoutout instead of our public timeline.

You can click on the button bellow to add this gadget in your Google Desktop, iGoogle website or your own personal website.