Section: Web, Websites You can give your browser refresh button a break. If you like everyone else is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new Twitter homepage to your account there is a better way to go about it. This morning Twitpic engineer Ryan LeFevre wrote up a nice little jig that will send you a friendly direct message when your new homepage has arrived. A cutesy “How does it work” page is provided: We will periodically check to see if the new Twitter has been enabled for you account by polling the Twitter API. Once we discover you have been switched to the new account, we will send you a single Direct Message (from your own account) to notify you. This works best when you have Direct Message email notification on. We will not publicly tweet anything on your behalf, cause that’s not cool. Also, please note that I give no guarantee as to whether the application will work. It is based off of an assumption about user info retrieved from the Twitter API which I’m 90% sure is true. Either way, it will not spam you with tweets or requests.
Simply install the app over at OneFourty.com Full Story » | Written by Aaron Thacker for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking A bit of a surprise came this morning from Foursquare cofounder Naveen Selvadurai’s on Twitter noting Nokia will begin packaging their locations based software on upcoming phones. We have no details as to what phones or when this program will begin to roll out but it’s safe to assume it’s coming. Whether or not Foursquare has paid for this partnership remains to be seen. This will be a good push for Foursquare in the battle of social checkins to keep ahead of Facebook’s Places by putting the software immediately in front of everyone. Now the ratio of people that will actually sign up for Foursquare should be interesting. But is this the tip of the iceberg for phones coming loaded up with software that you may or may not want? The jury is still out. Read [businessinsider.com] Full Story » | Written by Aaron Thacker for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Web, Web Browsers At some point today Microsoft will unveil the ninth installment to it’s browser history with a beta release of Internet Explorer 9. The new browser promises a more robust user web experience by fully adopting the new HTML5 format, amped up media playback and more effective use of today’s Web standards. Yes, IE using web standards. Packaged with these said web standards IE has brought with them several developing partners like Amazon, IMDB, CNN and music listener Jango. These partners they are looking to achieve an “optimized platform to create immersive app-like experience” with ability to pin website apps to the taskbar rather than typing in a web address. How many sites choose to develop added functionality specifically for IE9 will be interesting. We assume as the latest and greatest comes from the new HTML5 standard, visually companies are looking to remove the feeling that you are in a browser. We are completely okay with that as long as, like Adobe Flash, our back button still works. Read and screenshots [fastcompany] Full Story » | Written by Aaron Thacker for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking, Web Apps, Web Browsers, Websites, Online Music/Video, Google 
The funny thing about kids is you’ve got 100% turnover in just a few years. A new study, performed by researcher Jakob Nielsen of the Nielsen Norman Group finds that kids and adults see the web very differently. Kids seek out entertainment while adults seek community, getting things done. One big difference was uncovered: kids don’t search. Well no kidding. I suspect anyone with kids in the house can tell you that kids don’t have to search - they are inundated with URLs. 5 minutes worth of kids programming arms kids with at least 5 URLs to visit. From the URLs being pounded into their heads from kids TV channels (“visit Disney.com for more games…”) to even schools now throwing out sites to help the kids learn. Kids think of the URL then think I want to go on the computer. To them, the web is more like an exclusive rave - you’ve go to know the address to have fun. If entertainment is the goal, then searching is a waste of time. As kids age, search usage kicks in. Schools encourage kids to search to find answers while kids games and online clubs draw lessens. Older kids begin searching like adults do. Google has nothing to fear. The study did reveal some interesting things about how kids navigate the web. For example, kids are less likely to give out personal info, much less likely than us dumb adults. This is probably a result of web-savvy parents making it clear no info is to be given out. If you’d like to see more on how kids navigate the web and some tips for making your site kid-friendly, follow the link below. Read: [Neilson-Norman Group] via [GigaOm]
Image credit: NYT Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Looking for a decent Android smartphone with Verizon and willing to settle for something other than the latest and greatest? How about the Motorola Devour, which although it may not the newest handset, it is still more than capable. Anyway, Verizon has recently lowered the price all the way down to that magical number of free. Yup, the Motorola Devour is now free on contract, which means a two year agreement. Not bad though, for a phone that features a 3.1 inch display, hardware QWERTY keyboard, 3 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm headphone jack, aGPS and ships with an 8GB microSD card. In fact the one and only warning comes in with the version of Android—it is still 1.6. Product [Verizon Wireless] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation, Lifestyle, Transportation 
The idea is simple, chances are you take your phone with you on every single bike ride you go on. It’s clear that the cell phone has become the 2010 patch kit to fix all your cycling woes - simply call someone with a car to come get you. Liverider takes this idea a step further by making your iPhone the central part of the cyclometer. Overall, I rate the unit a 4 stars out of 5. Here’s why: iPhone to bike What might seem as the most difficult part of the whole idea is how to attach the iPhone to the bike. After all, the iPhone while small, isn’t nearly as small as just about every other cyclometer out there. Liverider built an attachment that is flexible, easy to get in and out of and thankfully will accommodate an iPhone with a case. I was leery to stick my shiny iPhone into the case the first time. The rubbery case doesn’t seem like it’s enough to do the job, but I was wrong. It worked wonderful and I quickly lost my fear. For road riding, I have no issues. For off road, there is still the fear that an endo would send a rock through the screen but that’s probably my paranoia. Input The Liverider comes with a cadence/speed combo sensor that gets attached to the bicycle’s chain stay. The unit is rather compact and install was easy. Magnets attached to a crank arm and spoke - nothing new there. The combo unit sends a 2.4GHz signal to the iPhone via an attachment that plugs into the iPhone 30 pin connector. This is where my first issue with the device creeps up - you’re going to lose this little attachment. When your ride is over, there is no where to put the connector. I happen to have a Timbuk2 phone carrier that fits on my seat tube and I stuck it in there. It works, but I can see losing this thing pretty easily. Set up Set up was painless and easy. Multiple bikes are supported, which is handy. Users simple navigate to Settings, Select/Manage Bikes and can add a new bike there or select another. If you’ve ever installed a cyclocomputer, this is easier. Much easier. Use For my lunch hour rides, Liverider was pretty near perfect. Start up is quick, the connector never had a hiccup and as long as I remember to hit new ride and start - all was fine. Battery draw was acceptable. The screen in sunlight is a bit tough to read, that really was the biggest trade off. I could usually make out everything, but it’s something to be aware of. Speed, cadence, miles and time can be seen all at once or users can compare their time to a previously saved Chase ride. Calories, watts, max and avg mph and pace can be shown with a simple swipe. The UI is pretty clean and easy to read. Users can choose to keep the screen on full-time or fade out. Not much more to ask for here. Wishes I had been using the Runkeeper app, starting it then putting it in my pocket for the road. RunKeeper has a much simpler display showing just time, avg speed and calories; Liverider blows this away with the physical sensors on the bike. Where I was missing RunKeeper was cloud sync. Having my rides automatically saved and viewable online seems to be an important factor, as I really missed this with Liverider. Liverider responded in this is something they are currently reviewing so I am hopeful there. What’s more, they let this slip:
“Software updates currently in the works include the addition of an odometer, the ability to enter tire circumference manually, and expanded GPS route tracking and chase rider functions. Hardware updates that we are evaluating include Heart Rate Monitor integration, expanded support for compact high performance bikes, and pass-through USB charging solution.” If that isn’t enough to get excited about, I am not sure what is. $99.99, available now. Product page [Liverider] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Features  “Steal of the Week” gives visitors to Gadgetell a chance to purchase brand new consumer electronics at significant discounts. Through special partnerships, Gadgetell LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of North American Publishing Company (NAPCO), will offer one-of-a-kind “steals” that won’t last long… certainly not more than a few weeks.
Products are brand new and offered in limited quantities. All orders include free shipping via UPS Ground. The “Steal of the Week” is currently offered only to U.S. residents and all orders must be placed through PayPal. For more information, e-mail or click here to find out what the latest “steal” is. Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Once upon a time it was nearly impossible to get a Droid Incredible in a reasonable amount of time with Verizon. The handset was hit with what seemed like an endless delay which often meant waiting up to a month for delivery. Well, now the Incredible is shipping quickly again, however the Droid X has taken up some of the delay. At present, those ordering a Droid X direct from Verizon can expect a shipping date of September 23rd. And for those without a calendar, that is a little over a week away. Granted that is not nearly as bad in comparison to what we saw with the Incredible, but still. Of course, for those willing, you can get a certified pre-owned model for $149.99 with no delay. Product [Droid X with Verizon] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Apple, Computers, Mobile Computers The title really says it all on this one, however those still looking to purchase an iPad will be able to do so at any of the 1,093 Best Buy locations starting on September 26th. Of course, this could also be nice for those who do not live anywhere close to an Apple Retail Store and want to see the iPad in person before committing to a purchase. Either way though, September 26th is the day and the stores will have all six models available with prices starting at $499 (the same as with Apple). Read [Best Buy] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Netbooks Augen is back with yet another Kmart special. The latest is the Android powered GenTouch 108 netbook which comes sporting a 10.2 inch (1024 x 600) display and Android 2.1. In terms of price, a nice low sounding $189.99. Of course, this could be a case of ‘you get what you pay for.’ Otherwise the GenTouch 108 comes with an 800MHz ARM11 processor, 256MB RAM, 2GB internal storage, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, memory card slot and a 2100 mAh battery. In addition the netbook has a 1.8 pound weight and ships with a leather carrying case and USB cable for data transfers. And remember, just because there is Android does not mean you will see the Android Market. Product [Kmart] Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile Online retailer Wirefly is currently offering the Samsung Fascinate for a nice low price, though in warning—it is noted as being a limited-time deal so you may not want to wait all that long to take advantage. As to the price, $9.99. Of course the usual rules apply in that you must be a new Verizon customer and also agree to a two year agreement, but still—10 bucks. Furthermore, those looking to get started with a family plan will save some serious cash. According to Wirefly; “Wirefly has demolished its price on the Samsung Fascinate to $9.99 for new Verizon Wireless customers (for first 2 phones) and $29.99 for additional lines.”
Product [Wirefly] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 More Recent Articles | 
No comments:
Post a Comment