For those who travel a lot, or just need wireless nearly anywhere they can possibly get it, 3G wireless cards and modems have been a huge help. They haven’t come without problems, however. Some carriers like AT&T and Verizon put in data caps around 5GB per month, and all of them charge at least $60 for the unlimited plan or plan with the highest cap. DataJack looks to take full advantage of those flaws.
DataJack looks to be announcing its own 3G data connection service that looks to fix the problems with current ones. DataJack will offer unlimited 3G data for $40 a month, without any contracts like the major carriers require. The modem could cost about $100, and will work GSM network, presumably AT&T and T-Mobile’s that DataJack can manage a deal with.
DataJack’s plan would make it much easier for those who could use the connection, but don’t need it all the time. Playing $40 to be able to use the modem as long as you want for the month would be great for any sort of trip where the wireless connection is questionable, but needed. Right now not everything is set, but DataJack will be making an official announcement at CES. Maybe this will finally push the major carriers to provide cheaper data connections, or at least provide them with some competition.
Windows Mobile owners have been the envy of other smartphone owners for one reason. Swype. The new technology for faster “typing” has been exclusively available on the Samsung Omnia 2 and has had me itching to get my hands on it. However, all of the Droid owners will now be able to give it a shot and see how their typing is effected by the new technology.
Note that although this video uses the software on the Droid Eris, the package available for download is for WVGA phones only. That means the Droid only, not the Eris or Hero.
The guys over at Droidmuff.in were gutsy enough to leak their beta software to the world. So if you want instructions to install it on your phone visit their download page here.
FROM APPLETELL - There are two more things to consider with your computer and home entertainment setups: your power control outlets and your method of keeping those shiny screens clean. MORE »
Since 1888, National Geographic has visited many strange, interesting, and exciting places, people, and animals on our planet. Within their published magazine, many people can enjoy nature and understand it through vivid pictures and informative texts. While that’s nice and realistic in the 20th century, but come on this is the 21st century, technology can do better than magazines.
Enter in the portable hard drive filled with National Geographic’s complete nature collection. A 160GB portable hard drive filled with all the high resolution images, and information that would normally be found in magazines. In addition, 100GB of the hard drive is free and available for personal use, but National Geographic could use that space for future content upgrades, so you can use it as you wish.
It is currently on sale for $199.95 and can be purchased from National Geographic’s online store.
FROM GAMERTELL - Throughout the sale you can find hundreds of games discounted 25% to 80% and, each day, the site includes select one-day deals that are especially decent. MORE »
A Nevada couple found themselves stranded in a remote forest for 3 days after blindly following their GPS through the high desert of eastern Oregon. The couple got stuck in nearly 2 feet of snow after following their GPS device's direction to turn onto a remote road leading into the Winema-Fremont National Forest. Fortunately they were well prepared with food, water and warm clothes, which saved their lives. On the third day they finally managed to transmit their location to a 911 dispatcher.
“GPS almost did ‘em in and GPS saved ‘em,” Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger said.said. “It will give you options to pick the shortest route. You certainly get the shortest route. But it may not be a safe route.”
As the popularity of GPS devices rises these types of stories seem to happen more and more. It's important to keep the maps in your device updated at all times and not to rely on them to the exclusion of old fashioned maps and common sense. Be aware of your surroundings and realize that GPS units are not infallible. The route they recommend may not be the a good one, or even a safe one. If something doesn't seem right, turn around!
Following the attempted terror attack on a Christmas Day flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, TSA officials have cracked down on the use of technology in flight. Effective immediately passengers are no longer allowed to use phones, live television, or access the internet while in flight. Additionally, beginning 1 hour before landing, passengers are not allowed to use any electronic devices, access any personal belongings, or have anything in their laps at all.
The increased security includes a secondary screening of all carry on bags. This requirement has forced Canadian officials to ban carry on items altogether on all Canadian flights bound for the U.S. Red faced Canada Airport Security Transport Agency officials say it is because they don't have enough personnel to comply with the TSA's new restrictions.
AT&T has resumed online sales of the iPhone in New York City but is still refusing to explain why sales in the area were blocked over the Christmas holiday. Customers who tried to buy the phone on the company's website and entered a NYC zipcode were told the iPhone was not available and directed to choose something else. On Monday morning the device was suddenly made available again.
When asked why NYC was suddenly excluded from online sales, AT&T released a cryptic and more or less unhelpful statement:
“We periodically modify our promotions and distribution channels.”
Speculation rose that it was clumsy attempt to reduce data usage, which has become a growing problem on AT&T's struggling 3G network. AT&T's CEO, Ralph de la Vega said earlier this month that the company was looking at ways to control data usage and that 3% of the company's smartphone users are responsible for 40% of it's traffic. That 3% is presumed to be iPhone users. The Associated Press reported however, that the reason for the block in online sales may have been because of a spike in fraudulent activity in the area.
The iPhone was never taken off the shelves at any of the company's NYC area retail stores.
Apparently some unknown tipster found a landing page for the new Google Nexus One and took a few screen shots of it and sent it to Gizmodo. The validity of the image and details it contains remains to be seen, but the pricing information does make sense.
Basically, the unsubsidized, unlocked, without a contract Nexus One will be sold for $530 by Google. However, if you opt for the two year contract by T-Mobile, it becomes an affordable, realistic $180. The $180 price tag stacks up with the 16GB iPhone 3GS and the Motorola Droid, which both sell for $199 on their respective carriers. The only rate plan offered for the phone is $39.99 Even More + Text + Web for $79.99 total. Now, if you are an existing T-Mobile customer with a plan set in place, you would have to change to this plan in order to receive the subsidized $180 phone. However, if you want to keep your existing plan and still use this phone, you would have to buy it for $530. In fact, if you are on a family plan, Flexpay, SmartAccess, or KidConnect, then you would have to buy an unsubsidized Nexus One for $530.
Now, the phone will be sold out of the United States with a language agreement. The website Google will use to sell the Nexus One will be Google.com/phone. For every Google Account, five Nexus One’s may be purchased. If you terminate your plan within 120 days after purchase, Google will charge you the difference between the amount you paid for the subsidized phone ($180) and the actual cost ($530), so the difference comes out to be $350. In addition, at the price page, they offer two accessories - a desktop docking station for $39.99 and a car docking station for $49.99.
It will definitely be interesting to see how this rumor pans out and whether these are the actual retail prices.
For those who travel a lot, or just need wireless nearly anywhere they can possibly get it, 3G wireless cards and modems have been a huge help. They haven’t come without problems, however. Some carriers like AT&T and Verizon put in data caps around 5GB per month, and all of them charge at least $60 for the unlimited plan or plan with the highest cap. DataJack looks to take full advantage of those flaws.
Since 1888, National Geographic has visited many strange, interesting, and exciting places, people, and animals on our planet. Within their published magazine, many people can enjoy nature and understand it through vivid pictures and informative texts. While that’s nice and realistic in the 20th century, but come on this is the 21st century, technology can do better than magazines. 
A Nevada couple found themselves stranded in a remote forest for 3 days after blindly following their GPS through the high desert of eastern Oregon. The couple got stuck in nearly 2 feet of snow after following their GPS device's direction to turn onto a remote road leading into the Winema-Fremont National Forest. Fortunately they were well prepared with food, water and warm clothes, which saved their lives. On the third day they finally managed to transmit their location to a 911 dispatcher.
Following the attempted terror attack on a Christmas Day flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, TSA officials have cracked down on the use of technology in flight. Effective immediately passengers are no longer allowed to use phones, live television, or access the internet while in flight. Additionally, beginning 1 hour before landing, passengers are not allowed to use any electronic devices, access any personal belongings, or have anything in their laps at all. 
AT&T has resumed online sales of the iPhone in New York City but is still refusing to explain why sales in the area were blocked over the Christmas holiday. Customers who tried to buy the phone on the company's website and entered a NYC zipcode were told the iPhone was not available and directed to choose something else. On Monday morning the device was suddenly made available again.
No comments:
Post a Comment