Section: Communications, Accessories  Ever get somewhere and realize you forgot your cell phone? Most of us would be lost without it! Bringrr Systems says they’ve got the perfect way to avoid that sinking feeling. The Bringrr Reminder Device plugs into your car’s power or lighter outlet and scans for your Bluetooth enabled phone. If it’s not that it alerts you with an audible signal. It’s a simple device with nothing to carry around or install. The classic version will retail for $34.99 while a version that also charges your phone will be available for $44.99. It works with most Bluetooth enabled phones although the company cautions that it may not work with some phones if a handsfree unit is activated.
Read [Bringrr] Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones Since not everyone likes the conventional black iPhone, it is important to have another alternative color available. The white iPhone 4 should have been available for tomorrow’s launch, but Best Buy confirmed that they will not be selling the white iPhone just yet. This announcement by Best Buy, especially since they did not provide any reasoning, caused a lot of uproar among customers who wanted the white iPhone. Today, Apple released a statement explaining that the white iPhone has “proven more challenging to manufacture than expected.” The white iPhone will be available in the second half of July, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Even though it is harder to produce a white iPhone, this will, in no way, affect the production of black iPhones. Check out the complete statement below. White models of Apple’s new iPhone® 4 have proven more challenging to manufacture than expected, and as a result they will not be available until the second half of July. The availability of the more popular iPhone 4 black models is not affected.
Read [PR Newswire] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Gadgets / Other, Miscellaneous  We all do it-eat while we’re on our computers, resulting in a grimy keyboard. The tiny spaces between the keys collect that debris along with all kinds of other drirt At best it’s just icky, at worst in can result in sticky keys and keyboard failures. Cleaning a keyboard however has always been a challenge. I’ve read cleaning advice that instructed the user to turn the keyboard over and tap it on the table. Not really a good idea for those of us with laptops. Some say to use a can of compressed air, but if not used properly it can cause serious damage. The makers of CyberClean believe they have a better way. At first glance it looks like a jar of the slime kids love to play with but this stuff is actually useful. To use just knead in your hands for a few seconds (unless you’re sweaty it won’t feel like slime) and then press it on your keyboard and lift. The special compound gets between the keys, clings to the keyboard and lifts up the dirt. Roll into a ball with the dirt inward and it can be used over and over. (A color change indicator on each package will let you know when it’s time to toss). It can also be used to clean the vents on your CPU, the heat and A/C vents in your car and more. I watched a demo and was impressed. Stay tuned for a full review coming soon.
Read [CyberClean]
Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Gadgets / Other, ebooks  E-reader, meet tablet PC. The Entourage Edge is the world’s first dual book device that combines a full color Android powered tablet with an e-reader. It’s WiFi enabled and has 3GB of usable memory along with an SD card slot and USB port. It also comes with Bluetooth and Wacom capabilities. The screens rotate and a 360 degree hinge allow it to be used in a variety of positions and configurations and it has two built in microphones, a 3.5mm microphone jack and stereo speakers. Books are linked to the tablet so that looking up a word is as easy as tapping on it. Both the 10"1 WXGA tablet screen and the 9.7” e-ink screens are clear and crisp and both have very zippy response times and good battery life (6hrs for the tablet and 11 for the e-reader) At 3.2 pounds it’s a bit hefty but this device could be an outstanding tool for students and businesspeople.
Read [EntourageEdge] Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Accessories  At the CEA Line Shows there are many booths that always busy with people checking out the products. One of the busiest booths seems to be Immerz’s. Walking by there always seemed to be someone sitting down at the table with the strange-looking Kor-fx on their shoulders.
Sitting down and trying the Kor-fx is actually a bit strange at first. It comes across as almost a ButtKicker for your chest at first. It sends vibrations through the device to the wearer’s chest, seemingly to the bass of the media. For example, watching a clip of Jurassic Park, I could feel the vibrations every time the dinosaur thumped outside, shaking the glass of water inside the room the characters were in. Shahriar Afshar, the creator of the Kor-fx corrected me, saying that the device, which connects to a small black box and then to the media source, actually responds to events rather than base. He explained that the device does have to be tuned for each person, and that tit was sending out vibrations for the rain against the windows in the Jurassic Park scene, I just didn’t feel them, or perhaps I just didn’t notice them over the stronger stomps of the dino. Afshar tried getting a a game of Halo working on his laptop to show how the system is used aside from in movies, but the laptop didn’t want to cooperate. I tried the device instead with Nova on the iPad, which didn’t seem nearly as strong as the movie, but could prove interesting if the device was set to a stronger level. The device seems interesting, though the main use seems like it could be for games since it should give feedback as to where enemies are attacking from. For movies it is an interesting curiosity, though not necessarily something that you’d want to use for every movie you watch. The device seemed rather uncomfortable at first, and may grow irritating, or it could just be something to grow accustomed to. Immerz is aiming for a release of the Kor-fx sometime later this year, though pre-orders are available now for $190. Read [Immerz] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Gadgets / Other, Household, Lifestyle  When I first heard about this device I was intrigued. I’m guessing most of you have a keychain or wallet full of loyalty cards from your favorite businesses. I know I do! I’ve got Pathmark, Stop & Shop, Borders, Petsmart, CVS and more. The discounts and special offers they give us are great but having to fumble for them when you want to use them or having a keychain full of them can be a pain. The folks at Mobeam think they have the perfect solution in the numi key. This little device holds all your loyalty cards for you. When you want to use on just call it up on the color screen, hit the red button, and point it at the scanner. That’s all there is to it. It also holds gift cards and downloadable. It’s a great way to keep your cards organized and clear some space in your wallet, purse or pocket!
Read [MoBeam]
Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Portable Video, Communications, Mobile  LG has unveiled a line of Mobile Digital TV devices that are sure to be a hit this holiday season. Unlike traditional Mobile TV these devices allow TV broadcasts to be viewed even while moving. Both free over the air broadcasts and subscription based cable programming (such as MSNBC, Nickelodeon, Food Network, E!, and more) will be available. The devices range from a $250 portable TV and DVD player to a $99 USB receiver will be available. An iPhone adapter, mobile tablet, Mobile DTV enabled Dell Mini, in-vehicle viewing, a pocket TV and more are planned. Mobile DTV will also be available on selected cell phones. This could be the mobile TV everyone has been waiting for!
Read [PCMag] Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Video, Web While the first day of the CEA Line Shows sawa slew of announcements from Monster Cable and Vizio, the big press conference on day two was from Skype. The presentation was largely about the company’s new SkypeKit program, but also had some interesting numbers to go along with it. To get the numbers out of the way, Skype announced that 12 percent of all international calling is done through their service. That seems surprising, though to me it’s because the number isn’t higher given that Skype-to-Skype calls are free, though calling to an international cell phone is also fairly cheap through Skype, so it shouldn’t be that surprising. Skype also announced that 34 percent of all Skype calls use video. Again, that number seems like it should be higher given most, if not all, laptops are now shipped with webcams. Although, that number is up from 10% in 2007, which is an impressive increase. The last set of data Skype through out there is that customers tend to be happier with calls and talk longer when the fidelity of the audio is higher. Easier to understand voices mean people are more willing to spend time on the call, seems common sense. The idea behind SkypeKit is to bring Skype to even more devices than it’s already on. With SkypeKit developers can put Skype onto a variety of devices. On display at it’s Line Shows booth Skype has Litl (among others) which will be brining Skype to it’s netbook by this fall. Skype is hoping to bring it’s service to as many users and devices as possible through SkypeKit, with devies being labeled as “plugged into Skype” when they have the service built in. It sounds promising and could lead to some interesting Skype integration into devices. Read [Skype Developer] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Wireless, Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle, Miscellaneous  Merel Technologies has unveiled their line of multitouch tables. These tables, which come in 32” and 42” models, are meant for hotels, waiting rooms, bars, restaurants, lobbies, and other public places where people gather. They use long lasting LED technology and LCD displays. Users can surf the internet, watch videos, read magazines, access social networking sites and more. Their app store, called the mStore allows the table to be customized for the specific area it will be used in. For example in a real estate office it can be customized to show floor plans, photos and specs of homes, while in a hotel lobby it can display maps and multimedia presentations highlighting local attractions. It runs on an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8 GHz processor with GeForce 9300 graphics. Tables are available in variety of colors and start at $3200.
Read [Merel Technologies]
Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Car Audio, Communications, Accessories  Blue Ant has announced two new hot Bluetooth products. The first, called the S4 is a truly handsfree bluetooth speakerphone. It’s voice activated so it allows you to make and receive calls, get information and with the Vlingo SafeReader app, access and listen to their messages, all without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road!
The second new device is the T1 headset. The newest headset in the Blue Ant family offers Wind Armor Technology that promises clear calls in up to 22MPH winds, text to speech capability and up to 6hrs of talk time. Stay tuned for a full review coming soon! Read [Blue Ant] Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Accessories, Gadgets / Other, Household, Lifestyle, Miscellaneous  VIOlight, makers of a popular line of UV toothbrush sanitizers, has introduced a UV cell phone and gadget sanitizer. The sleek, compact device sanitizes any kind of non-clamshell phone include iPhones, BlackBerry smartphones and Droids. iPods and other music players can also be sanitized with the device. An included basket accessory allows earphones and bluetooth headsets to be cleaned as well. The company expects the sanitizer to join its toothbrush sanitizers as a top seller this holiday season. You can find them on shelves starting this fall.
Read [violight] Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Web, Websites  Back when the iPad first launched, the Marvel Comics app was a big deal for many people. The app was developed by Comixology and brought the already popular comics service onto the iPad, along with the company’s own app. Today Comixology is expanding past iOS devices.
Comixology has taken today as the launch of it’s web service, allowing users to read their comics on their computer or laptop as well as their iOS devices. That way, even those who don’t have an iOS device can take advantage of the comics provided by Comixology should they want to. The company also had a potentially bigger announcement in the form of DC Comics. DC will have it’s own apps available, but will also be available through the Comixology app and the website. On the first day the store has over 100 DC comics available, two being day-and-date releases alongside their print counterparts. In the comics world that is fairly rare, as Marvel is only going to start experimenting with it next week. So now, rather than being limited to the large selection of independent comic publishers and the likes of Spider-Man and the X-Men, users can finally read Green Lantern and Batman comics. That option should help make most comics fans happy, although there still isn’t a lot of day-and-date releases to speak of. Of course, Comixology isn’t looking to replace the print comics market, so that will probably a while away, but for now we can always hope. Read [Wired] Image from [Comics from comiXology] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Accessories, Cellphones, Mobile  Vringo, a company that is pioneering video ringtones, is set for an initial public offering and has priced the shares at $11 billion. The company is looking to put some capital into R&D, sales and marketing, working capital and repayment of debt. Here is why it matters: Vringo is going to be huge.
I said this about them in 2008, “Kids love those darn ringtone and ringback tones. Imagine if those same kids could share their favorite web clips just by phoning someone. Vringo is turning a simple phone call into an expression of self that can change by the hour.”
How? Easy, according to the company, ” Vringo transforms the basic act of making and receiving mobile phone calls into a highly visual, social experience. By installing Vringo's application, which is compatible with more than 200 handsets, users can create or take video, images and slideshows from virtually anywhere and make it into their personal call signature.” Translation, when I call you, you can see the video of me doing my crazy knife juggling. I can hear, “oh that irrepressible JG,” now. With more funding, the company is looking to move beyond it’s current stage and become a player in the global market. This is one we are watching. Video below. Read: [Vringo]  Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Gadgets / Other, ebooks  Monday, we told you about the price reduction for the ebook reader from Amazon Kindle’s price reduction. The move was instigated by a Wi-Fi only nook from competitor Barnes and Noble, whose lower price is something Amazon moved quickly to go $10 lower. $189 is better, but Amazon needs to move this to zero, the reasons why are pretty simple.
It’s not about the iPad, though a lot of folks will think it is. The Kindle is its own beast, a market-defining product. It excels at that one purpose and really, we should all have one. Here’s what Dennis Kneale had to say about it: Amazon isn't a hardware company, it's a bookseller. Online books promise prodigious profits for Amazon—look Ma! No print-publishing costs! No shipping costs! No warehousing costs! That ain’t peanuts: Last year Amazon’s net shipping costs rose 35 percent to just shy of $850 million…The handheld razor is priced cheap—so they can sell you the high-profit blades. Many cell phones come free of charge, so long as you sign a two-year carrier contract. Amazon could do the same with the Kindle: Start a new book club, and give away the Kindle in exchange for buying a $20 book each month for two years.
Here’s where the crux of the issue is. Music is different, consumers are used to buying a CD and building their library; bookshelves of today’s generation are filled mostly with non-books. Come up with some kind of limited time book rentals and you’ve created a virtual library that will get everyone hooked on a monthly fee in exchange for books to read. Amazon needs to create this and become the library to the world. Think of the good will generated by scholarships to this library; giving books to the underprivileged. The iPad will steal readers from the top of the market and will be the gadget of choice to tote around simple because it can do so much more. What if your faced with boredom on a flight and get an urge to play Angry Birds, you’ve got to be prepared for that. Lowering the cost of entry will get folks hooked on ebooks and your store. The idea is simple and yet, I curse the razor blade makers every time I shave. Read: [CNBC] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation 
Tom Tom announced version 1.4 of their iPhone application, bringing a wealth of new features that take advantage of iOS 4,. The app sells for $49.99 for the US and $59.99 for Canada. Tom Tom says the updated app is available today. Tom Tom has taken the idea of multitasking to heart. Their new app allows seamless switching to phone use while navigation instructions appear on screen. To take advantage of Apple’s built-in multitasking , users can open other apps while hearing voiced navigation instructions as they would normally appear. Similar to allowing Pandora music to continue playing in the background, Tom Tom voice navigation will do the same. Tom Tom has also updated their maps, added route sharing so you can notify contacts where you are and your route, departure reminders have been added for upcoming trips, and even suggestions for a more fuel conservative route. Product page: [Tom Tom] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones A lot of interesting information was announced at the joint Verizon, Motorola, and Google event today. We already heard about the release date of the highly anticipated Motorola Droid X and some other information about the pre-loaded apps, but there is some other information from the event that is worth covering. Google announced today that they are selling 160,000 Android devices a day and there are over 65,000 apps in the Android Market. This is certainly good news for Google and Android manufacturers because many people in America are making the switch to Android everyday. As for Verizon users and prospective Droid X customers, Verizon is allowing anyone eligible for a contract upgrade in 2010 can take advantage of that upgrade immediately for any smartphone. From the Verizon press release, here is the exact wording: In addition, current Verizon Wireless customers who have contracts ending by December 31, 2010, can upgrade to any smartphone, including DROID X, without penalty.
This will hopefully encourage Verizon customers to upgrade as soon as possible. If my Verizon contract ended in 2010, I would definitely be in line to upgrade to the Droid X. The integrated mobile hotspot will allow users to connect up to five devices to the Droid X, including PCs. However, mobile WiFi tethering will cost an additional $20 a month, and if you go over the allotted 2GB cap, it will cost you 5 cents per every megabyte over. Image via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile, Features And just like that, the iPhone 4 reviews are beginning to hit the web. Of course, most regular folks are still waiting to get the iPhone in their hands, but while they are waiting—here are what some early reviewers are saying. Included in this post we have reviews from Xeni Jardin of BoingBoing, Joshua Topolsky of Engadget, David Pogue from The New York Times, Walt Mossberg from All Things Digital and Ed Baig from USA Today. Basically, all of these reviews were unique in their own right, that said they all seemed overly positive but not the the point of seeming to be in bed with Apple. Positive, but at the same time fair. In short, the iPhone 4 is not a perfect device, but after reading these reviews I am thinking its pretty close. Xeni Jardin of BoingBoing Would I buy it? Yes.
Joshua Topolsky of Engadget We’re not going to beat around the bush—in our approximation, the iPhone 4 is the best smartphone on the market right now.
Yes, there are still pain points that we want to see Apple fix, and yes, there are some amazing alternatives to the iPhone 4 out there.
David Pogue from The New York Times If what you care about, however, is size and shape, beauty and battery life, polish and pleasure, then the iPhone 4 is calling your name. But you probably didn't need a review to tell you that.
Walt Mossberg from All Things Digital I'd say that Apple has built a beautiful smartphone that works well, adds impressive new features and is still, overall, the best device in its class.
Ed Baig from USA Today Cutting through the hype, Apple has given longtime diehards, and first-time iPhone owners, plenty to cheer about.
Product [Apple] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones .jpg)
Hot off the presses from the Motorola event taking place now, Verizon and Motorola have announced the new Droid X. The specs remain the same from what has been previously announced, such as a 4.3 inch touch screen, a 1GHz OMAP processor, 8 MP camera, preloaded with Swype, preloaded with Blockbuster, HD camcorder, and DLNA and HDMI connectivity. Perhaps the most important news just released by Verizon is the release date and price. Starting July 15, the Motorola Droid X will be available through the online store as well as in physical Verizon retail stores. It will cost $199 after a $100 MIR, assuming a new two year contract. Android 2.2 and Adobe Flash 10.1 will be available to Droid X users in the “latter half of the summer.” Stay tuned for more news as it breaks from the Verizon event. Read [Verizon Press Release] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Web, Websites Bing has just become much more media-focused. The news comes by way of a Microsoft press release which is detailing all of the new additions that you can expect to find in the Bing search decision engine. Basically, moving forward those who visit bing.com/entertainment will be able to find and in many cases listen and watch items such as television, music and movies (trailers). Plus there are also 100 basic, yet playable games right in the search results. The music integration comes with support for Zune Marketplace as well as iTunes and Amazon. In short, you can now make one-click purchases directly from the search results. You can also stream music tracks for free, well, more specifically the first play is free with 30-second clips after that. But hey, at least you get a try-before-you-buy. Additionally, movie options will come in the form of show times, movie trailers, customer reviews as well as options to purchase tickets. Yup, again all from within the search results. In terms of television, that is said to include over 1,500 shows and 20,000 full episodes from partners including CBS, Viacom and even Hulu. All things considered and while I have never been a regular Bing user, this sounds pretty nice and at the same time seems to offer some real competition for Google. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Gadgets / Other, ebooks  The other day we mentioned that Kobo had released their ebook reader app for Android. But it seems as if they also have a complete selection of smartphones apps. As of current the have an app for the iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad as well as for the BlackBerry and even webOS. The Apple related apps can be found by visiting the App Store and searching for Kobo. And make sure you grab the correct version, because there is an iPhone version as well as an HD-iPad version.
In terms of the BlackBerry app, just visit the Kobo webpage (link below) and enter your email address so they can email you a download link. And webOS users, head on over to the App Catalog on your Palm device. Though one word of warning, the webOS version is still listed as being in beta. Otherwise, the apps are similar to what we have come to expect from the Kindle in that there is a book store and you can sync your notes and bookmarks so they will always be available regardless of which device you are reading with. Of course, there is also a reader app available for the Mac and PC as well as a dedicated reader in the form of the Kobo eReader which is currently selling for $149. Read [Kobo] Via [Gizmodo] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones The Samsung Galaxy S is quickly becoming a hot phone in the tech world, especially considering Samsung’s hosting a special event in a week that should shed additional details on the phone and carriers. T-Mobile hasn’t been very lucky when it comes to selling high end Android phones, so to get a version of the Samsung Galaxy S would be big for T-Mo. According to the latest reports, T-Mobile will begin selling the Galaxy S, which will be known as the Samsung Vibrant, by July 21, which may or may not be the same time as the Droid X launch on Verizon (more on why this is a potential problem in a moment). The Samsung Vibrant is a solid, high-end Android phone, sporting a 4 inch AMOLED display, four capacitive buttons on the front, but lacks flash. Otherwise, it has the conventional specs of the Samsung Galaxy S. Hopefully pricing and exact availability will be known next week at the Samsung event. I imagine that most T-Mobile customers eligible for an upgrade will take advantage of the Samsung Vibrant. Similarly, I expect most Verizon customers eligible for an upgrade will purchase the Droid X or the Droid 2, since they are rumored to be released around the same time. The problem here is neither carrier may actually get anyone to jump ship since most carriers offer some headline Android phone. Via [AndroidandMe] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Computers, Mobile Computers  Some say the iPad is just a bigger iPhone/iPod Touch and is not necessary, while others claim it is a revolutionary product and is necessary in their daily lives. Whatever your personal opinion is on Apple’s latest product, there is no denying its unparalleled success in its first few months of existence. With great enthusiasm, Apple issued a press release proclaiming the mighty feat of 3 million iPads sold in the United States in its first 80 days of retail.
Since its launch, over 11,000 apps have been created specifically for the iPad and for its unique Multi Touch user interface. It is compatible with the 225,000 plus apps already in the App store and still works with the ones already purchased for your iPhone or iPod Touch. Apple is in the driver’s seat with the iPad, and if they can keep the device in stock while continuing to market it well, they should experience great success and even more sales over the summer months. Read [PR Newswire] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Websites If this rumor actually pans out, it would be quite amazing. Yesterday, the latest Droid X commercial was launched and it appeared on Verizon’s YouTube channel. Naturally, many people went to view it as it sits at over 100,000 views to see if they could discern any special details. When viewing the ad, if you look closely at the text written on the eye (this moves fast and it is backwards so you might want to take it frame-by-frame) you can see some specs listed such as 4.3 inch screen. In addition to the already known specs being repeated, Droid-Life paused the ad at the 15 second mark and noticed a date written. If you view it in normal speed mode, the only date provided is 7.2010, which falls in line with the rumored July 19 date. However, when paused at 15 seconds, it seems to read 7.2.2010 (check out the image above) giving rise to the possibility the Droid X would be launched a lot sooner than many expected. Perhaps we will only know the truth about the release date come tomorrow at Motorola’s event. Or perhaps the hype surrounding the Droid X is so great that we are ready to look anywhere to find anything to believe. The ad posted on YouTube can be viewed below. Via [Droid-Life]  Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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