VLC comes to the iPad and more

VLC comes to the iPad and more

In This Issue...


VLC comes to the iPad

Section: Video, Gadgets / Other

VLC Media Player for iPad

As anyone who owns an iOS device can attest to, one of the most frustrating parts of the experience is having to change media file types to work on the devices.  The best way to make sure video is compatible is to buy it from the iTunes store, but you might want to get your media from other locations that don’t involve FairPlay DRM.  Now you can easily play those videos no matter what the codec on your iPad.

VLC Media Player, the popular desktop app that can play just about anything you can throw at it, is now on the iPad.  Instead of the previous VLC apps for iOS devices, this isn’t just a simple remote, it’s a full-fledged VLC player.  That means you have all the codecs you’d expect to see in VLC, now playable on your iPad.  It works just like CineXPlayer, where the media is loaded onto the app via the Apps tab in iTunes.  It might not be as elegant as it would be if you were purchasing the content from Apple, but it could be a lot worse.

The VLC app is apparently officially launching on September 21, but it’s up for download today, and seems to work just fine.  It’s promising that APple has allowed this and CineXPlayer into the App Store, something we never could have imagined just a few months ago.  Perhaps it’s because of the pressure from Android smartphones and tablets, but either way, this more lenient Apple is very nice to have around.

Now, if we could have a VLC player for the iPhone, that would be even better.

Read [iTunes link]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Firefox Home gets search bar and new language support

Section: Communications, Mobile

firefox home update

Firefox has announced an update into their mobile venture Firefox Home with significantly updated language support now expanded to 15 and the addition of a search bar. The video shows the search bar allows users to easily search through their previous sessions and bookmarks right from the home screen and also doubles as a web search. When the user uses the search and returns no relevant bookmarks, it defaults to a Google which we assume that to be your only option.

With the addition of this new search bar, the Firefox Home app is becoming more and more a browser than just a away from your computer utility. Tricky little fox.

Read more and demo video at the Firefox Blog

Full Story » | Written by Aaron Thacker for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »




Appletell reviews the You Rock Guitar

FROM APPLETELL - The You Rock Guitar i not only a game controller, it’s a MIDI controller and a functioning instrument…and it may just be the perfect tool for the musically inclined gamer or electronic musician.
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Samsung Cetus i917 running Windows 7 spied

Section: Communications, Smartphones

samsung cetus i917

Microsoft is being far from discreet about distribution and placement of their new Windows 7 handsets. Seen in the video below during a Channel 9 taping, the Samsung Cetus i917 is shown displaying some type of home control application that allows users to switch on lights, thermostat settings and even operate garage doors. In the video Windows Phone 7 team member and Windows Program Charlie Kindel demoing the device which is rumored to be equipped with 4" WVGA AMOLED screen, 5MP Camera, and a secondary (front facing) VGA camera.

Full details of the phone and new Windows 7 OS will some come to light when it lands in the coming weeks.

Read [wmexperts]

Full Story » | Written by Aaron Thacker for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



PlayStation 3 3D Update May Also Not Decode Lossless Audio

FROM HOMETECHTELL - AV Watch, a reputable Japanese hardware blog, has come back from the Tokyo Game Show with a story that not only confirms the story we previously broke about the PS3’s 3D limitations BD-J, 3D menus, or subtitles, but also indicates that lossless audio decoding may be affected, as well. The… MORE »

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Peek 9 announced with Peektop Apps

Section: Communications, Gadgets / Other

Peek 9 There has never been all that much excitement over Peek devices.  Sure, they offer email, SMS, and Twitter wherever you go without all those extra features in a smartphone, but they never really seemed to catch on.  Today we have the newest Peek device, and it adds a few new features in an attempt to stay relevant.

The Peek 9 looks just like previous Peeks, though this one is 9 times faster than the previous models.  Instead of single-purpose devices for email and Twitter, Peek has seen fit to bring multiple services in this faster device.  The Peek 9 features email, SMS, RSS, Twitter, Facebook, document support (.doc and PDF), maps, and what Peek is calling Peektop Apps.  Chances are the Twitter experience isn’t much better than on the Twitpeek which couldn’t even display full tweets without selecting them first.  From Facebook it seems you’ll be able to view status updates and pictures, and update your own status, but that’s about it.  Not sure why Peek is including Peektop Apps, doesn’t seem likely that we’ll be seeing a lot of apps coming to the platform, unless there’s a hardcore Peek fanbase that we don’t know about.

The Peek 9 starts at $69.99 for the device itself, or $99.99 for the device and two months of service.  If you purchase the service by the month, it will run you $19.95.  According to Peek’s website, you can by three months for $49.95 ($16.65 per month), yearly for $179.95 ($14.99 per month), or a lifetime of service for $249.95.  For the lifetime of service, you will have to call Peek to order it.  It ends up being cheaper than paying for a smartphone, and may make sense to some, but it’s likely you’ll be using the Peek in conjunction with a cell phone of some sort anyway.  If that’s the case, it’d be much easier to just pay the extra money and consolidate the devices.  Chances are you’ll get a much better experience out of it.

Read [Peek]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



PlayStation 3 Blu-ray 3D Update May Also Affect Lossless Audio Decoding

FROM HOMETECHTELL - AV Watch, a reputable Japanese hardware blog, has come back from the Tokyo Game Show with a story that not only confirms the story we previously broke about the PS3’s 3D limitations BD-J, 3D menus, or subtitles, but also indicates that lossless audio decoding may be affected, as well. The… MORE »

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iOS integration and iPad dock coming to BMW vehicle lineup

Section: Gadgets / Other, Transportation

bmw ipad dock

Device integration is always a good thing and even more so when your car is included. At the 2010 Paris Motor Show BMW is now showing for off it’s factory integration iPad dock . The behind the seat cradle with snugly hold an iPad and thus eliminating the need to drop an extra $2,000+ for a clunky DVD only headrest screen system.

In addition to the iPad dock accessory, BMW’s new system will give drivers the capability to access text messages, memos, emails from their iOS and Blackberry devices. Also with this package is an iPod connectivity called iPod Out where BMW’s Nav system displays music playback using a Click Wheel iPod-like menu, interface controls, and Genius playlists.

All these features may sound familiar as Ford’s SYNC has been on this type of connectivity for a while but BMW is taking strides by working specifically with the iOS platform. We can only hope lower end auto manufacturers will follow.

Read and for gallery pics [Autoblog]

Full Story » | Written by Aaron Thacker for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Rumor: iPad 2 targeted for March 2011

Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Netbooks

Accroding to Digitimes, suppliers for Apple’s iPad are confirming that the 2nd generation is on target for a late Q1 delivery.  This matches up to Apple’s yearly product refresh and since the iPad was launched in April, that’s just a stones throw from when these suppliers are guessing.  Seems reasonable.

“The new capacity of TPK Touch Solutions and Wintek, the 4.5G plant of Cando, and the 4.5G plant of Chimei Innolux (CMI) are reportedly completing validation of ultra-thin glass-based touch panels with Apple, the component suppliers said.”

Rumored to be included in the 2G are cameras (both on the back and front facing for video conferencing), lighter in weight and Retina Display.  While still rumors, these are trickle-down advancements from the iPhone, so they’re not outlandish additions to the already crushingly popular iPad.

Read: [Digitimes] via [IntoMobile]

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Facebook phone, real or not?  Lets fix the apps first

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking

This weekend, TechCrunch broke the story on a phone reportedly being developed by Facebook.  Facebook quickly swore off the rumor, claiming they work with partners but do not have designs on building their own phone.  TechCrunch then wrote a post calling Facebook PR liars.  The best thing to come out of this news was Robert Scoble’s diatribe on what Facebook needs to fix.

Scoble hit the nail with 11 points on where Facebook needs to clean up before even thinking about building a device.  From much better support for photos, videos, and location to better handling of contacts, there is much work Facebook could dig into.

Much of what Scoble points out has to do with innovation.  There is so much opportunity in geolocation, proximity, scanning, granular messaging, and filtering.  Has the company grown too fast without setting out a plan to become better?  Is just merely surviving exploding growth enough for them?

Read: [Scobleizer]

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Gameloft shows off Dungeon Hunter 2 & Gangstar: Miami Vindication games for iOS

Section: Apple, Computers, Mobile Computers, Gaming, Portable

Gameloft shows off Dungeon Hunter 2 & Gangstar: Miami Vindication games for iOS

We here at Gadgetell mentioned two Gameloft games for the iPad back as a weekend fun post several weeks ago, and while those are both still favorites to play—it looks like they are going to get some follow ups. The game maker, Gameloft has recently been showing off Dungeon Hunter 2 and Gangstar: Miami Vindication.

In terms of each of these, so far it looks like Gangstar: Miami Vindication is set to debut in the App Store as an iPhone, iPod touch and iPad compatible game as of September 21st—as in tomorrow. In the meantime, you can check out the screenshot as seen in the above image. As for Dungeon Hunter 2, this one comes with a nice 1 minute and 4 second trailer showing off what we can expect. Unfortunately, unlike Miami Vindication, there has not been any release date set for Dungeon Hunter 2. On the positive side though, this one should have Game Center integration.

Via [App Advice]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Fring announces fringOut, aka: worldwide VoIP calling with rates starting as low as one cent per min

Section: Communications, VoIP

It looks like VoIP provider Fring has announced another new feature that is sure to further the competition between them and Skype—low-priced worldwide calling from a mobile device. According to the details, Fring has rolled out fringOut on Mobile and that means worldwide calling for as low as one penny per minute on your smartphone. With that, those sporting a Nokia handset can begin taking advantage now and those on iOS or Android will be able to do so soon.

Read [Fring Blog]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Verizon branded Entourage Pocket Edge dual-screened ereader spotted in-the-wild

Section: Gadgets / Other, ebooks

Verizon branded Entourage Pocket Edge dual-screened ereader spotted in-the-wild

Image via: Forbes

It looks like the dual-screened Entourage Edge is going to be making its way to Verizon. The device, which was labeled as the Verizon Pocket Edge was spotted at a Marvell event and recently photographed with California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Unfortunately for those waiting for this to come available—there are no additional details given. It is just the device with the Verizon branding. Though, according to previous rumors, Verizon is expected to launch the Edge in September. Of course, time will tell just how accurate that will be. Otherwise, the only other difference here is that this seems to be a smaller device as compared to that of the original Entourage Edge which had a 9 inch display. Granted, the ‘pocket’ portion of the name also implies that, but these look to be smaller anyway, possibly 7 inches.

Read [Yahoo! News] and [The Digital Reader] Via [Engadget]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Motorola Milestone rumored for September 23rd release with Alltel Wireless

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

Motorola Milestone rumored for September 23rd release with Alltel Wireless

Those customers either on, or willing to switch to Alltel Wireless should soon have another Android smartphone to choose from. The latest device is going to be the Motorola Milestone and is expected to come available on September 23rd. Bottom line here, the Milestone is coming and it can even be seen on the Alltel website given you enter a 59505 zip code. That said, the price still has not been revealed, though, given this is not the newest Android smartphone on the market—the price should not be all that expensive. In terms of the Milestone, think original Droid with Verizon. In other words, Android 2.1 with a 3.7 inch display, 5 megapixel camera and slide out QWERTY keyboard.

Via [Droid-Life]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



Appletell reviews the AluPen for iPad

FROM APPLETELL - If you’re tired of fingerprints or the inaccurate touch of your finger when working your iPad or other touch screen device, then the AluPen just may be your best alternative out there.
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Napster app for iOS comes available, brings on-demand listening for $10 a month

Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Communications, Smartphones, Mobile

Napster app for iOS comes available, brings on-demand listening for $10 a month Those looking to stream music on-demand to their iPhone now have yet another option to do so. And this one comes by way of the legendary name and still decent service—Napster. In terms of price and features. By far, the most important numbers include that the service will set you back just $10 per month and will give you access to “over 10 million” songs. The app will run on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, though it looks to have been designed for the smaller screen of the iPhone and iPod. Other features include the ability to;

  • Save songs, albums, and playlists to play even when you're offline
  • Kick back with playlists, recommendations, and Billboard® charts dating back to 1955
  • Create your own playlists for a customized listening experience
  • Save your last 100 songs played so you can easily replay favorites
  • Automix your favorite song to create an instant playlist blending similar artists

Read [Napster (App Store link)]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



How to reset your iPod

FROM APPLETELL - A lot of problems and inconsistent behavior with your iPod can be handled with a reset instead of a full restore. Doing so is as simple as this…
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Apple announces iPhone 4 launch date for China—September 25th

Section: Apple, Communications, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

Apple announces iPhone 4 launch date for China -- September 25th

It looks like Apple is continuing on with the worldwide roll-out of the iPhone 4, which is set to come available in China on September 25th. The upcoming launch day plans call for the retail stores to open up at 8am at which time the iPhone 4 will be available in either a 16 or 32GB model with prices of CNY4,999 (around $745 US) and CNY5,999 (around $894 US) respectively. And just for the record, those will be the prices that you can expect to find direct with Apple Retail Stores and while they may seem high, those are unlocked and contract free prices. Otherwise, those looking to shell out a little less upfront can also go with the local carrier, China Unicom, and get a less expensive phone along with a two year agreement.

Read [Apple]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »



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