Section: Communications, Smartphones  Palm has announced that an update to the Pre's WebOS firmware is on the way. The update, WebOS 1.2.1, offers over 70 fixes and improvements including a revised cut and paste, notifications via the LED light on the Pre, the browser can now download files and open links as new cards.
Some reports say it may even restore the Pre's ability to sync with iTunes, which was blocked when iTunes 9 was released. While many Pre users will welcome the return of iTunes syncing, some experts say Palm may be in for a lawsuit from Apple if they don't back up, something the still struggling company can ill afford. Is it worth the fight or would Palm be better off creating its own music and media store? We'll have to see what Palm decides. Along with the firmware update, rumors are flying that Palm also plans to update the Pre App Catalog to finally allow paid apps, something that may allow it to better compete with Apple's App Store and BlackBerry's App World. What the firmware won't do is improve the Pre's build quality, which has generated numerous complaints including screen issues and loose keyboards. Hopefully the upcoming Palm Pixi will benefit from the lessons learned from the Pre (and seeing how it had a built in keyboard rather than a slide out one perhaps it has). The update is expected to be released within a week but the actual release date will be up to Sprint. Read [PCWorld] Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Hardware, Netbooks  For the past year the Intel Atom processor has been the default netbook processor. It’s small, efficient, and fast enough to run the small machines. The next version of the Atom, code named “Pine Trail” is due out by early 2010 at the latest. It will feature graphics on the CPU and as a result be more energy efficient. Now it looks like Intel wants to make the Atom processors faster.
According to Intel Executive Vice President Sean Maloney, the next generation of the Atom will prove to be faster than the 1.6GHz versions we have right now. This would put the Atom on a similar “tick-tock” routine that the other processors now follow. The tick-tock refers to each year alternating between advancing the architecture and the manufacturing process technology. For netbooks, however, it’s unlikely well see more than just speed increases. As of now, dual-core Atoms use far too much power and are better suited for the nettops they call home now. Faster Atom chips would certainly be a welcome addition to netbooks. Sure, they’re only meant for light usage, but faster processors will make them that much better. There are some users who treat netbooks as more than what they are and load them up with data and applications, which will cause them to run even slower than usual. Faster Atom chips would certainly help in that regard. Next all they need is 2 GB of RAM to be standard to go with those faster processors and perhaps netbooks could be more usable to more people. Read [CNet News] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Imaging, Camcorders, Reviews What is it? The Kodak Zi8 is a pocket camcorder capable of shooting 1080p video for under $200. What's in the box? - Kodak Zi8 camera
- Rechargeable battery
- USB charger, charging cable
- HDMI cable
- Composite video cable
- ArcSoft MediaImpression Software
The Good The Kodak Zi8 is a nice improvement on the older Kodak Zi6. The device is smaller thanks to a rechargeable battery pack. The older model used rechargeable AAs that could be replaced with alkaline batteries. The Zi8 comes in more colors than its predecessor as well, which ought to appeal to those who want options beyond pink and black. The button layout on the Zi8 is streamlined with simpler capsule-shaped buttons. Of particular note is the Zi8's microphone in jack. Many full sized camcorders do not include a microphone in jack. Perhaps Kodak is looking to go after a different market than the other guys with this feature. Tests using a powered shotgun mic yielded decent results, however the audio was a bit on the low side. The built in mic picked up audio very well. The included macro mode is handy for shooting details up close. The Zi8 accepts SDHC cards so you can get plenty of video recording done. The built-in USB connector no longer swings out at the touch of a button, but still does the job of getting video to your computer. The several shooting modes (1080p, 720p/60fps, 720p, WVGA, and still camera mode) are quite nice and selecting them is easy from the on screen menu. The Zi8 can even shoot still pictures at 5MP, but that's probably not why a person would buy it. The video quality is very good. It captures details like individual hairs on a dog. Detail is obviously easier to see when the subject or camera is still. The Zi8 handles lower light situations like expected - you'll want good light to get good video. The 1080p video is very detailed, although this camera will probably not challenge a dedicated camcorder in the over $500 range. The Bad There's not a whole lot bad about the Kodak Zi8. There is internal memory so you can shoot about 10 seconds of video, but you will have to buy a SD card of your own. At high speeds, video gets a bit wobbly. An example is shooting video of telephone poles from a moving vehicle. They appeared to be slanted in the video. Quick hand movements will create wobble as well. There is a lack of image stabilization - but that seems to be the trade off for these pocket camcorders. Get a steady hand or be prepared to get motion sickness. The Crux At $180, the Kodak Zi8 is up against lots of competition from things like the Flip, the iPod nano, and even point and shoot cameras with HD video. However, the Kodak Zi8 has a great feature set for a quick point and shoot HD video camera - it is a great value and is one of the better pocket camcorders in the market today. Product Page: [Kodak Zi8] Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video, Features, Originals I finally got around to checking out the Zune HD yesterday. Like everyone else, I hit up my local Walmart’s newly refurbished electronic area; no special press access for me, thanks. I like to think of it not as a snub from MS, but more along the lines that Ballmer and Co get me: I want to experience the device like a consumer would. I found the new electronics department really nice. I was drawn into the iPod area, took quick video on the new iPod nano, gawked at how impossibly thin they keep making the iPod touch and then saw the Zune HD. There it sat waiting to be loved. Physically, the player is a 10/10. Great looks, great feel, a perfect size. This thing is gorgeous. But that is all I can tell you about the player thanks to the units not being powered. Instead images were placed on their screens and would-be users can’t interact with the device. Who wants to play with a brick? Contrast that to the iPod where I figured out how to take video in all of 3 seconds or even the (IMO) crappy other players that littered the display next to the Zune. How can consumers make a choice if someone was too cheap to make the units usable? I have to assume this was Wal-Mart’s doing as they tend to script everything in their stores. So without seeing the OLED screen, how the UI works (I can relate to older Zune models, but can consumers?), or getting the feel for the overall device, how can I choose anything besides the Apple products? You would have to be a loyal Zunista to make an informed decision and we know that Microsoft can’t rely on that to keep the division going. So what’s the deal? Why does Walmart show non-working devices? Did Microsoft look to cut some costs here? Is it a conspiracy by Apple? I’ve no idea, but tell us this: is your local Walmart showing off working Zunes? Let us know in the comments and we’ll try to piece this one together. Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Video, DVD/DVR/Blu-ray A few of us adventurous types have hooked up a computer to our living room television set up. However navigating with a keyboard and mouse in a living room is less than ideal. There are other ways to access your home video library and web content on your TV. QNAP has its new NMP-1000 network multimedia player and it aims to bring HD content to your TV. The QNAP has Gigabit Ethernet and can connect to your computers on your network. Gigabit is plenty fast enough for HD content. The NMP-1000 can support lots of file formats including MPEG2, H.264, MKV, M2TS (Blu-ray), FLAC, MP3, AAC, and plenty more. If you want local storage, you can add in an internal 3.5" SATA hard drive. The device has USB and eSATA connections so you can just copy data over locally. The NMP-1000 also can handle bit torrent (without a computer) and DNS. There is also access to YouTube and Flickr. The video interface looks pretty nice (you can see it in the video below), although not as polished as Windows Media Center or Apple TV. The only price information I could find was on QNAP's forums—the retail price should be $399. Street price will probably be closer to $300-$350. That price may be a little steep when compared to a full-fledged computer, but it depends on how involved you want to be with this home theater component. 
Back of the QNAP NMP-1000
Product Page: [QNAP NMP-1000] Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Accessories I know I'm not the only person who has had to search for his mobile phone while it rang or missed a call because my cell phone was in another room. For a lot of people, landlines have given way to cell phones, but there are still ways to get landline-like convenience with a cell phone. VTech's new DS6321-3 cordless phone lets you pair your cellphone to it via Bluetooth. The really cool feature is that this phone can download your address book over Bluetooth and it supports up to 6,000 contacts. This system supports up to 12 handsets. The handsets can also be used as an intercom or you can use them for conference calls. If you still have a landline, you can hook that into these cordless phones as well. The price for the base station with three handset is $99.95 and is available now online and will be in stores October 2009. Additional handsets are under $20. Product Page: [VTech] Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Apple, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones Over in the U.K., Apple iPhone exclusivity is over. Welcome to the new world order. O2 and Apple were like peas and carrots, but now Orange will also be able to sell the iPhone later in the year. No specific release date was announced. Imagine a place where you can have the phone you want with the service you want. The U.K. might be that place for some. O2 had the iPhone as an exclusive for two years. In the United States, the original iPhone was launched on AT&T a little over two years ago. How long before a non-AT&T iPhone in the United States? A lot of rumors have placed that event in January 2010. Will that come true? We’ll see. Read: [UK Press Association] Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Security, Software / Applications  New software that is being released through the company Cataphora can analyze whether an employee is a productive worker or not. The way that the software will work is that it analyzes electronic footprints left behind by each employee. This includes monitoring emails sent, calls made, and documents worked on. The software will also alert employers of red flag activities, like writing in all CAPS and sudden changes in language.
The software has the ability to be customized to each business's individual needs. It can scan all files within a network or instead focus on email communications and website browsing. Although the software can report employees emailing friends or going to non-work related sites like Facebook, the software makers stress that the program is more to evaluate overall productivity and not simply spying on employees. To tell if you are a good employee, the program will evaluate how much content you produce as well as how many interactions you have. Not everyone is happy with the thought of surveillance in the workplace and there are concerns over the accuracy of evaluating an employee in this manner. Read: [CNN] Full Story » | Written by Heather Wood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle, Transportation Last week, Gadgetell was at the US’s biggest cycling show and we’ve plenty to report on. Interbike is always one of fall’s hottest tickets and this year spun out more carbon fiber components than seems possible. Here is what left an impression on us: Everyone seemed to be talking about this 29er. Santa Cruz’s first 29er this one was adored by common Joes like me, but also folks like Guitar Ted over at twentynineinches.com (he named it best of show). What’s not to love? The frame is carbon fiber and uses the company’s VPP technology for a smooth and balanced suspension feel. Travel is only 100mm, but coupled with the large wheels, it looks like she’ll roll over just about anything. This could be an instant classic, if you can afford the price of admission: $3599 for a complete bike over at competitive cyclist. I was surprised to see all the innovation in pedals this year. It seemed every time I turned around, I found something new. Whether from Look, some crazy magnet guy, or Speedplay. Speedplay has been at this game for a long time and their pedals are legendary at this point. They’ve got something now that looks nearly finished, the SYZR (scissor). This two sided pedal looks simpler than a Crank Bros Egg Beater but look to exhibit the same “pull up and the pedal grabs harder” concept. Speedplay showed off a version of this pedal last year, but it looks much closer to being a reality now, and a winner. Learning to ride a bike is a right of passage for many in the world. Kids must master sitting atop spinning wheels and for many of us, it takes a while. One outfit looks to reduce that time with a gyro wheel to provide the balance. Their wheel, the Gyro bike wheel, is a spinning front wheel that replaces the one on your bike and provides the steadiness young riders need to learn to control the bike. You can imagine the concept is debated whether or not it helps riders or is cheating, but the company says kids can learn to ride in just 30 minutes. They hope to offer riding to those that have lost the ability due to inner ear issues as well. Proving that not everything at Interbike must require a new mortgage on your house, Street Wrapz showed off how simple it can be to spiff up your existing bike with their new decals. These decals cover your existing tubes with inspired graphics and give your ride a new-bike smell. Or at least, a new decal smell. The catchy designs look to cover everything though you’ve got to wonder how much work is involved in getting it right. Heck, it takes me a good 20 minutes to cover my iPhone screen with plastic, how long would it take for whole bike? The site boasts an installation video that is “coming soon.” Price is only $49 in 24 different styles. Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Video, Content, Video Providers, Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Computers, Mobile Computers, Hardware, Software / Applications, Web, Online Music/Video, Features, Podcasts, InterrupTech Welcome back to InterrupTech where we catch you up on the most important tech stories. This week there's plenty to cover: The best part about the show? Topics move quickly, but if you don't like a topic, just skip it. Keep an eye on that timer to help you along. Enjoy the show. Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile So much for the $80 Palm Pre that Walmart was offering, because now, assuming you act quickly you will be able to score a Palm Pre for free. Of course that free comes with a pretty big catch, which as you may have guessed requires a rebate among other things. But, the Walmart offer also required a rebate, so this may still be a good deal when compared. The offer is pretty simple, but does does require the buyer to be a new Sprint customer, which means it comes with the standard two-year agreement. In order to take advantage, you will need to purchase your Pre through LetsTalk.com and use a special link and enter a coupon code. Then still, fill out a cashback rebate form and wait for your mail-in-rebate. Basically, you will have to jump through a few hoops, but a free phone is still a free phone. Thankfully, PhoneCashBack offered a nice step by step set of directions which should make the process a little easier. Step 1) Click this link to buy a Palm Pre from LetsTalk. You must click that special link or no cashback for you.
Step 2) Use coupon code 25RAFPCVER1 at checkout.
Step 3) Fill out our cashback request form. We'll give you $54.99 in cashback, the after-rebate price.
Step 4) We'll get your cashback out to you before the mail-in rebates arrive. It's that simple. Combining cashback and rebates to make Palm Pre free. Oh, and LetsTalk is throwing in a free charger and Bluetooth headset.
Just make sure you act quickly if you are planning to take advantage of this offer because it is set to expire on September 30 at 5pm Pacific time. Read [PhoneCashBack] Via [PreThinking] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
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